Man Arrested for Stalking UConn Star Paige Bueckers Found with Engagement Ring
A man accused of stalking and harassing UConn basketball star Paige Bueckers was found with an engagement ring and lingerie in his possession when he was arrested near a Connecticut airport, according to police reports. Robert Cole Parmalee, 40, had expressed his intention to marry Bueckers on social media platforms and had sent threatening emails to University of Connecticut officials, showing an alarming infatuation with the young athlete.
Parmalee, whose last known addresses were in Grants Pass, Oregon, and Ritzville, Washington, was taken into custody on $100,000 bail after being arraigned on charges of stalking, harassment, and breach of peace in Rockville, Connecticut. Additionally, he was ordered to stay away from Bueckers, referred to as “P.B.” in court, and was banned from the UConn campus in Storrs. His public defender did not provide immediate comment on the case.
Stalking Behavior and Arrest
Parmalee was initially apprehended on August 27 while walking along a highway near Bradley International Airport near Hartford. He informed a state trooper that he had just flown in from the Pacific Northwest and was en route to see Bueckers at UConn. Police reports revealed that he was carrying an engagement ring and lingerie at the time of his arrest. The trooper took Parmalee into custody upon discovering an outstanding arrest warrant from Josephine County, Oregon, for allegedly setting a home on fire with roommates and pets inside.
According to authorities, Parmalee had been posting photos, videos, and comments about Bueckers on TikTok and other social media platforms, while also sending rambling emails to UConn officials since June. Although his initial postings did not result in criminal charges, his behavior became increasingly concerning over time. An arrest warrant affidavit, which redacts Bueckers’ name and refers to her as “V1,” detailed Parmalee’s escalating efforts to express his desire to marry her, causing emotional distress for the young athlete.
Threats and Concerns
V1, identified as Bueckers in media reports, revealed that Parmalee had been sending videos to her Instagram direct messages since February, although they were not initially threatening. She chose not to respond to the messages, but upon learning of Parmalee’s arrest near the airport, she expressed concerns for her safety, as well as that of her family and teammates. Parmalee’s social media posts included references to sacrificing individuals and threats against anyone opposing his desires.
In one TikTok post, Parmalee mentioned bringing flowers to V1 and locating her mother’s residence, while in another post, he indicated a willingness to die if he could not be with the woman of his choosing. His disturbing comments led to felony stalking and misdemeanor harassment charges by UConn police. Parmalee’s criminal history dating back to 2002 includes arrests for sexual abuse, harassment, burglary, DUI, and drug possession, raising further concerns about his behavior.
Legal Proceedings and Mental Health Concerns
After being detained on the arson warrant from Oregon, Parmalee faced additional charges in Connecticut related to his stalking behavior towards Bueckers. Law enforcement officials in Oregon confirmed that there were no records of mental health calls associated with Parmalee, despite his history of troubling criminal offenses. The case highlights the need for greater awareness and intervention in cases of stalking and harassment, particularly in the age of social media and online communication.
As the legal proceedings continue, it is crucial to prioritize the safety and well-being of individuals like Paige Bueckers who become targets of obsessive and potentially dangerous individuals. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of taking threats and concerning behaviors seriously, especially in cases where individuals may be at risk of harm. Authorities must remain vigilant and proactive in addressing such situations to prevent any potential harm or violence from occurring.