“Dancing with the Stars” has had its share of scary dance/injury moments. But nothing compares to the news about Shawn Johnson and the sicko stalker who has apparently been following her across the country. AP has uncovered more details about the Shawn Johnson stalker incident. Very creepy indeed:
By SOLVEJ SCHOU
LOS ANGELES — Prosecutors charged a man Thursday with stalking “Dancing With the Stars” contestant Shawn Johnson, saying he drove from Florida in a car found with loaded guns, duct tape and love letters to meet the 17-year-old Olympic gymnast.
The Los Angeles Country district attorney’s office charged Robert O’Ryan, 34, with one felony count of stalking and two misdemeanor counts of carrying a loaded gun in a vehicle. He was scheduled to appear for arraignment Thursday in Superior Court, where prosecutors said they would request his bail be raised from $35,000 to $220,000.
Authorities said O’Ryan was arrested Tuesday after he tried to jump a security fence at CBS Studios, where the ABC show is filmed. Police later searched his car and said they found a shotgun and handgun — both loaded — as well as duct tape and love letters.
A restraining order requested by Johnson’s parents said she was “in fear of her life” and was issued Wednesday against O’Ryan. A statement by Johnson’s mother, Teri, states that she was told by police that O’Ryan believed he was meant to have a child with her daughter.
If convicted, O’Ryan could face up to four years in prison. Court records do not indicate whether he had a lawyer.
Johnson, of West Des Moines, Iowa, won one gold and three silver medals at the Beijing Olympics and is one of the remaining celebrity contestants on ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars.”
“We are confident that it will be handled appropriately by all involved,” said Johnson’s publicist Sue Madore in an e-mail. The show added in a statement that appropriate authorities were handling the matter.
AP
