Montgomery County man in custody after allegedly stalking woman he met on dating app

Tuesday, June 4, 2024
Montgomery County man in custody after allegedly stalking woman he met on dating app
Montgomery County man in custody after allegedly stalking woman he met on dating app

BENSALEM, Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- A man from King of Prussia is behind bars on Monday after allegedly stalking a woman he met on a dating app.

Matthew Bustin faces several charges, including criminal trespassing, burglary, and stalking.

Police say the 33-year-old put a GPS tracking device on the victim's car after she ended their relationship.

Investigators also believe that after the woman cut contact with Bustin, he continued to text her and show up unexpectedly.

Cell phone data revealed he was in the area of the victim's Bucks County home and workplace on at least nine occasions without her knowledge.

The victim reportedly notified police of Bustin's alleged actions after she returned home from a vacation in April to find her power and internet cut off.

Investigators believe Bustin is responsible.

Erika Kaplan, the vice president of membership at Three Day Rule Matchmaking in Philadelphia, says it's important in situations like these to stay vigilant.

"It's really important to go with your gut," said Kaplan. "If you're feeling that you're being stalked or harassed, it's definitely time to loop in local law enforcement."

Police say they were able to verify Bustin's involvement through surveillance videos, PECO records, location data from his phone, and data from the tracking device and its manufacturer.

"You never know who you're going to find on there or what kind of creeps are gonna come out," noted Danielle Byrne from Parkwood.

Kaplan says safety is paramount when dating online. Many people may have good intentions, but this case is a reminder of those who don't.

"Everybody's really a little bit on guard, making sure that they're protecting themselves emotionally and physically as well, unfortunately," Kaplan said.

Authorities now say Bustin is in jail being held on a $2 million bail.

Police say if you're dating online, it's best to meet a potential match in public. You should also share locations with friends or family, be sure not to drink too much or become too intoxicated, and don't overshare.

Bensalem police are asking anyone else who may have been harassed or stalked by Bustin to come forward.