A man accused of stalking and harassing University of Connecticut basketball star Paige Bueckers revealed on social media that he intended to marry her and had an engagement ring and lingerie with him when he was arrested near a Connecticut airport, according to police reports. The man, identified as 40-year-old Robert Cole Parmalee, made alarming statements on platforms like TikTok and sent threatening emails to UConn officials, revealing his obsession with Bueckers. Parmalee, who had been residing in Grants Pass, Oregon, and Ritzville, Washington, was arrested on charges of felony stalking and harassment. He was ordered to remain in custody on a $100,000 bail after being arraigned in Rockville, Connecticut.
Parmalee’s arrest occurred on August 27 when he was found walking along a highway near Bradley International Airport in Hartford. He told a state trooper that he had just flown in from the Pacific Northwest and was heading to UConn to meet Bueckers. During the arrest, Parmalee was found in possession of an engagement ring and lingerie, which raised concerns about his intentions. At the time, he was also discovered to have an active arrest warrant from Josephine County, Oregon, related to an alleged arson incident where he was accused of setting fire to a home with roommates and pets inside.
Before his arrest, Parmalee had been increasingly fixated on Bueckers. He had posted a series of videos, photos, and messages about her on social media, including TikTok, since June. His comments and posts initially did not warrant legal action, but they escalated over time, becoming more concerning. Authorities noted that Parmalee’s behavior had become alarming in the weeks leading up to his arrest. In one of his posts, he mentioned his desire to marry Bueckers and referred to her with a level of obsession that caused distress to those around her.
According to an arrest warrant affidavit, Parmalee’s obsession intensified over the course of several months. He made multiple online posts expressing a desire to marry Bueckers, referred to as “V1” in the court documents. His posts grew increasingly threatening, including comments directed at people close to her. UConn police reported that Parmalee’s actions caused “emotional distress” to Bueckers and her loved ones. In response to these growing concerns, Bueckers reported that she had received numerous videos from Parmalee on Instagram since February. While the videos were not initially threatening, she became alarmed after learning about his arrest.
The situation took a darker turn when Parmalee made specific threats in his social media posts. One such post referred to a photo of Bueckers and another man, in which Parmalee ominously stated, “This is worth it for this guy, huh? … this is just one guy, I’ll sacrifice him, no problems, no questions asked.” In another disturbing post, he discussed finding Bueckers’ mother’s home and suggested bringing her flowers. He also made more alarming threats, including stating that if he couldn’t live with Bueckers, he would choose to die and take anyone who opposed him “to hell.”
In one particularly chilling TikTok post, Parmalee stated that he was on his way to UConn, including a photo of himself at the airport with his airline tickets. This post, made shortly before his arrival in Connecticut, confirmed his intentions to approach Bueckers and possibly escalate his behavior. The alarming nature of these posts led UConn officials to take immediate action, which culminated in his arrest.
Parmalee was initially detained by Connecticut authorities under the Oregon arson warrant but was later charged by UConn police with felony stalking, misdemeanor harassment, and breach of peace. These charges stemmed from his obsessive and threatening behavior directed toward Bueckers. In addition to his current charges, police noted that Parmalee had a criminal history dating back to 2002, which included arrests for sexual abuse, harassment, burglary, driving under the influence, and methamphetamine possession.
Despite his criminal history, officials from Oregon told Connecticut authorities that they had no records of mental health-related calls associated with Parmalee. This raised concerns about his overall well-being and whether he might have had untreated psychological issues contributing to his behavior. His increasingly erratic actions and the disturbing content he posted online highlighted a pattern of dangerous obsession and fixation.
Paige Bueckers, a star player for the UConn women’s basketball team, had previously been named national player of the year as a freshman. After spending two years recovering from knee injuries, she returned to the court last season and led her team to the Final Four, where they lost to Iowa in a matchup against Caitlin Clark. Bueckers, who is now 22 years old, announced that she would return for a fifth year at UConn, marking another season in her illustrious college career.
In light of the disturbing events, Bueckers and her family were understandably shaken by Parmalee’s obsession. Bueckers, who has been a role model for many young athletes, now faces the reality of having a stalker fixated on her, which has understandably caused fear for her safety and the safety of those close to her. Authorities took swift action to ensure her protection, and Parmalee’s detention was deemed necessary to prevent further harm.
As of now, Parmalee is banned from the UConn campus and has been ordered to stay away from Bueckers, who remains under the protection of both law enforcement and the university. This case underscores the importance of taking threats seriously, especially when they involve public figures. The escalation of Parmalee’s behavior from social media posts to physical proximity to Bueckers is a clear example of how obsessive behavior can quickly turn dangerous.
The situation also highlights the broader issue of stalking and harassment, especially as social media platforms make it easier for individuals to fixate on others. While the case revolves around a high-profile figure like Bueckers, it serves as a reminder that many people face similar harassment and threats, often from strangers, both online and offline. This case is an alarming example of how the combination of social media obsession and real-world action can lead to dangerous consequences.
As the legal process moves forward, Parmalee’s future remains uncertain. He will likely face further charges, and the impact of his actions on Bueckers and her community will continue to be felt. For now, UConn and law enforcement are focused on ensuring the safety and well-being of Paige Bueckers, as the legal system works to hold Parmalee accountable for his actions.
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