Actor Drew Barrymore’s alleged stalker, Chad Michael Busto, has been apprehended. As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Busto directed a disturbing message towards Drew Barrymore from the audience during a 92nd Street Y event in New York earlier this week. Subsequently, he was taken into custody on Thursday by the Southampton Town Police. He is now facing a misdemeanor charge of fourth-degree stalking, as detailed in a press release by Lt. Todd Spencer, a spokesperson for the department.
Busto is currently being held overnight and is scheduled to appear at the Southampton Town Justice Court for his morning arraignment. This arrest swiftly followed an incident where the Southampton Police Department detained Busto in response to a 911 call concerning a suspicious individual in the Village of Sagaponack, within the Town of Southampton. Allegedly, Busto had entered private driveways on a bicycle and informed local residents that he was searching for Barrymore’s residence on the previous Wednesday. He was temporarily detained that day for questioning but was subsequently released.
The arrest occurred just a day after the mentioned incident, during which Barrymore was escorted off the stage at a 92nd Street Y event connected to the release of new music by fellow actress Reneé Rapp. This event was part of the Recanati-Kaplan Talks series. Shortly after Barrymore and Rapp took their seats on the stage, Busto exclaimed the talk show host’s name and proceeded down the aisle toward the front of the theater. Despite her obscured view, Barrymore managed a quick greeting to the audience, and Busto responded by stating, “You know who I am. I need to see you at some point while I’m in New York.”
In a swift reaction, Rapp promptly stood, positioned herself in front of Barrymore, and escorted her off the stage. Security personnel from the venue then removed Busto, who was in the front row of the auditorium, from the theater premises, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.