An alleged stalker of actress Drew Barrymore was arrested after interrupting a live event in New York.

The 43-year-old man from Washington, D.C., who repeatedly tried to get close to Barrymore, was eventually arrested by the Southampton Town Police and charged with a misdemeanor for stalking, as reported by the Daily Wire.

Bail reform laws resulted in stalker's release

The accused was arrested in New York after making several attempts to approach the actress during the week, including an incident in which he stormed the stage at a 92nd Street Y event demanding to see her.

He was held overnight after the arrest. During a Friday morning arraignment, Judge Barbara Wilson warned him to stay away from the talk show host, according to a Southampton court source who informed the New York Post on the matter.

Despite having a long criminal record, the man was released by the judge due to the state’s bail reform laws.

In 2019, legislation was passed that prevented judges from sending criminals of most misdemeanors to jail.

This meant that someone accused of a misdemeanor fourth-degree stalking charge was no longer eligible for bail. Previously, the fan had been detained and released after being found going door to door in Barrymore's neighborhood, asking residents where she lived.

Stalker’s previous conduct resulted in the arrest

During a follow-up investigation, detectives were notified of the fan’s alleged conduct and prior reported incidents.

This information led to facts that substantiated a charge for stalking, according to the department, the Hollywood Reporter noted. The man was then taken into custody on Thursday afternoon.

On Monday, while the 48-year-old actress was engaged in a discussion with singer and actor Reneé Rapp at a cultural center in Manhattan, the alleged stalker interrupted the event.

NBC News reported that Barrymore was discussing her career when she heard someone yelling her name and his own name.

Unexpected event interruption and challenges faced by public figures

The man reportedly continued yelling:

You know who I am. I need to see you at some point while you’re in New York, okay?

Rapp’s body language changed rapidly as the man approached the stage. The singer then stood up, put her arm around Barrymore, and escorted her out of the room.

In a clip of the incident, two people who appear to be security guards intercepted the man and escorted him out. No police report was filed on the incident.

The story highlights the challenges faced by public figures in dealing with stalkers and the limitations of the legal system in providing protection.

Despite the man’s history and repeated attempts to approach Barrymore, current law did not allow for him to be held on bail.

Busto alarmed neighbors

Police authorities in Southampton reported that Busto caused concern among Barrymore's neighbors in Sagaponack by cycling into private driveways.

The apprehension of Busto occurred several days after he was captured on social media making a lunge at Barrymore during an event at the 92nd Street Y.

Busto, who had visible facial injuries, claimed he actively resisted arrest, leading to his injuries.

Subsequently, he was fitted with a court-mandated GPS tracking device and instructed by the court to avoid any contact with Barrymore.

Conclusion

• Drew Barrymore's alleged stalker was arrested after multiple attempts to approach her, including interrupting a live event.
• The man was warned by the judge to stay away from Barrymore but was released due to state’s bail reform laws.
• Despite his release, the incident raises concerns about the protection of public figures and the limitations of the legal system.