Joshua Christian arrested for allegedly stalking Taylor Swift at NYC home
A Brooklyn man, who allegedly stalked Taylor Swift at her Tribeca residence and “throughout a number of states,” was arrested and ordered Saturday to steer clear of the singer.
Joshua Christian, 35, of Crown Heights, was busted Friday and charged with stalking and prison trespass, the NYPD mentioned.
He went to Swift’s Franklin Avenue properties in March and final month, police mentioned.
“The defendant has not solely repeatedly proven as much as Ms Swift’s residence right here in New York however has traveled to her residence in Tennessee as properly,” a prosecutor contended at Christian’s arraignment Saturday night time in Manhattan prison courtroom.
“You’re useless you understand. You’re holding her prisoner and I have to set her free,” Christian allegedly mentioned into the intercom of Swift’s Tribeca Franklin Avenue residence on June 12, in line with the assistant district lawyer.
“The persons are additionally investigating an extra incident of stalking and are awaiting video surveillance to substantiate the defendant’s id,” the prosecutor added.
Christian allegedly obtained into 153 Franklin St. by way of an unlocked door on March 26, and remained there “unlawfully,” police mentioned.
The accused stalker fled the property, the place Swift owns an $18 million townhouse, after being confronted by safety, police mentioned.
Decide Eric Schumacher issued a full order of safety for Christian to steer clear of the “Shake It Off” songstress, who has a lengthy historical past of being focused by stalkers.
Schumacher set bail within the case at $1, however despatched Christian to jail with out bail for fleeing a reckless driving cost in Florida. He’s due again in courtroom July 28 in that case.
Christian, who was sporting a white shirt, white pants and black footwear and together with his lengthy brown hair flowing, started ranting about his Authorized Support lawyer through the continuing.
“I’m a Christian scientist,” he yelled. “I don’t want this particular person to symbolize me. That is the worst miscarriage of justice because the crucifiction of Christ Jesus. I’m representing myself.”
His lawyer requested for a psychiatric and psychological analysis.
Michelle Yang, who works on the Wing Hold Chinese language restaurant close to Christian’s residence, mentioned he was an everyday buyer who likes lo mein.
“He’s fairly quiet. He doesn’t actually speak that a lot,” Yang mentioned. “Normally he’s simply out and would stroll his canine by himself. It’s fairly weird as a result of he was fairly regular, simply perhaps quiet.”
However a person who labored on the Peoples Natural Market and Juice Bar mentioned Christian appeared as if he had “psychological issues.”
The employee, who gave his title as Mo, mentioned “I ask him a query like if he wants a bag or one thing and he says ‘I’m over it.’”
Extra reporting by Dean Balsamini
