The doorbell rang at 11am on a Thursday morning, but Kylie Bearse knew she shouldn't answer it.
The truck that had followed her into her garage moments earlier, blocking her escape, belonged to the 69-year-old man she'd been trying to avoid for three years. Instead of answering the door, she grabbed her dog, called 911, and fled out the back.
For the 36-year-old Denver meteorologist, this September morning represented the return of a nightmare she thought had ended 18 months earlier. What started as 'gushing messages' from an obsessed viewer has become a cautionary tale about the intersection of public life, social media, and the legal system's response to stalking.
In this article
From fan mail to restraining orders
Kylie Bearse, who has worked at Fox31 KDVR in Denver since joining from 9News, usually loves connecting with viewers outside the television screen—until one viewer crossed the line and became obsessed. The man messaged her repeatedly, creating new accounts when blocked, claimed she was his wife, showed up at events she hosted with unwanted gifts, found her personal mobile number, and contacted her family and friends.
After six months of unwelcome attention, Bearse received a permanent restraining order in January 2024. The 69-year-old was legally prohibited from contacting her in any way or coming near her, and she didn't hear from him for about 18 months.
'I think no one, regardless of being on TV or not, should have someone follow them home and track them into their garage when they have a restraining order'
The false sense of security ended abruptly. When Denver police arrived at her home around noon on September 11, they found the man still sitting in his truck outside, noting that Bearse was 'visibly shaken and afraid'.
The prosecution puzzle that's sparking outrage
Here's where the story takes a troubling turn that's caught the attention of legal advocates. The prosecutor told Bearse they didn't think the case warranted a felony stalking charge because more than 18 months had passed between the first incidents and when the man showed up at her house.
He was initially jailed on felony stalking charges, but these were reduced to misdemeanour charges for violating a protection order, and he was released on a $1,500 personal recognisance bond just days after his arrest.
Colorado law defines stalking as when someone knowingly and repeatedly follows or contacts another person causing serious emotional distress, with 'repeatedly' defined as 'on more than one occasion.' Bearse was told by prosecutors that they didn't consider the man's actions 'repeated' because too much time had passed, despite no timeframe being listed in the statute.
Legal interpretation controversy
According to Bearse, prosecutors said the break in time between original stalking and the home incident meant it didn't count as 'repeated' behaviour, though the law defines 'repeatedly' as 'more than once' with no timeline specified. When she asked the district attorney for clarification, she was told: 'It's a judgement call'
A broader pattern emerges
Recent data shows Denver prosecutors charge stalking cases less frequently than many neighbouring jurisdictions, with advocates worrying that stalking isn't always taken seriously by those in power. This isn't just about one prosecutor's decision—it appears to be part of a systemic issue.
The meteorologist, who no longer feels safe in her home, was forced to find different housing after the man was released from jail. For someone whose career began in Minnesota before moving to Colorado, this represents a complete upheaval of the life she'd built.
The unique vulnerability of public figures
Bearse acknowledges that being on local television comes with heightened scrutiny, noting that people comment on her job, appearance, and makeup choices. However, she emphasises that no one should have to endure someone following them home and tracking them into their garage, restraining order or not.
For television personalities, particularly women, the line between normal viewer interaction and dangerous obsession can blur frighteningly quickly. Social media has made it easier than ever for fixated individuals to access personal information and create multiple accounts to circumvent blocks.
Warning signs of escalating viewer behaviour
- Creating multiple accounts after being blocked
- Claiming personal relationships that don't exist
- Showing up at public events with gifts
- Contacting family and friends
- Attempting to find personal contact information
- Ignoring clear requests to stop communication
Speaking out for other victims
Bearse shared her story publicly because she 'never wants another woman to feel as unsafe as I did' and knows she's not the only person the system has failed. Her courage in speaking out has resonated with viewers who have faced similar experiences.
Source: Kylie Bearse / Instagram.
In a recent Facebook post, Bearse expressed appreciation for The Denver Post's detailed examination of stalking numbers across Colorado, calling the process 'incredibly frustrating'.
What this means for Australian women
While this case occurred in Colorado, it highlights issues that resonate globally. In Australia, stalking is treated seriously under various state and federal laws, but similar challenges exist around prosecution consistency and victim protection.
According to the Australian Institute of Criminology, stalking affects approximately 20 per cent of women during their lifetime, with technology making it easier for perpetrators to monitor and harass victims.
Did you know?
Did you know?
In Australia, stalking is a criminal offence in all states and territories, with maximum penalties ranging from 5 to 10 years imprisonment depending on the jurisdiction. Unlike the Colorado case, most Australian jurisdictions don't require specific timeframes between incidents to establish 'repeated' behaviour.
Staying safe in the digital age
Whether you're a public figure or private citizen, the rise of social media has created new vulnerabilities. Here are practical steps to protect yourself:
Online safety measures:
- Regularly review privacy settings on all social media platforms
- Be cautious about sharing location information or daily routines
- Block and report threatening or obsessive behaviour immediately
- Document all unwanted contact with screenshots and dates
- Consider using separate email addresses for public and personal use
Physical safety considerations:
- Trust your instincts if someone makes you uncomfortable
- Vary your daily routes and schedules when possible
- Install security cameras and good lighting around your home
- Keep doors and windows locked, even during the day
- Have an emergency exit plan and ensure someone knows your whereabouts
What does this mean for you?
If you're experiencing unwanted attention or harassment, whether online or offline, don't wait for it to escalate. Contact local police, seek legal advice about protection orders, and reach out to support services. In Australia, you can contact the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service on 1800 737 732.
The fight continues
Despite the frustrating legal outcome, Bearse remains determined to highlight the issue, noting that 'it doesn't matter that he's been stalking me for three years, they let this man out of jail'. Her case has sparked broader conversations about how stalking laws are interpreted and enforced.
The meteorologist's ordeal serves as a stark reminder that restraining orders are often just pieces of paper unless backed by consistent, serious legal consequences. For women in public-facing careers—and indeed all women—the message is clear: speaking out about stalking and harassment isn't just about individual safety, it's about systemic change.
What This Means For You
The conversation about stalking, public figures, and legal protections is far from over. As Bearse's case demonstrates, even when victims do everything right—getting restraining orders, documenting behaviour, working with police—the system doesn't always provide adequate protection.
Have you ever experienced unwanted attention that made you feel unsafe? What measures have you taken to protect your privacy online? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
Primary Source
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/ar...eteorologist-kylie-bearse-stalker-viewer.html
Stalked by an obsessed fan, Fox31 meteorologist Kylie Bearse is frustrated by the justice system
Cited text: But then, on Sept. 11, as she backed into her garage at home, a truck pulled in front of her vehicle and stopped. The driver rolled down the window. “...
Excerpt: The truck that had followed her into her garage moments earlier, blocking her escape, belonged to the 69-year-old man she'd been trying to avoid for three years
https://www.greeleytribune.com/2025/10/13/kylie-bearse-meteorologist-stalker-fox31/
Stalked by an obsessed fan, Fox31 meteorologist Kylie Bearse is frustrated by the justice system
Cited text: Bearse grabbed her dog, called 911 and fled out the back door.
Excerpt: Instead of answering the door, she grabbed her dog, called 911, and fled out the back
https://www.greeleytribune.com/2025/10/13/kylie-bearse-meteorologist-stalker-fox31/
Stalked by an obsessed fan, Fox31 meteorologist Kylie Bearse is frustrated by the justice system
Cited text: (Photo by Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post) By Shelly Bradbury | [email protected] | The Denver Post ... Kylie Bearse, a meteorologist at Denver’s ...
Excerpt: Kylie Bearse, who has worked at Fox31 KDVR in Denver since joining from 9News, usually loves connecting with viewers outside the television screen—until one viewer crossed the line and became obsessed
https://www.denverpost.com/2025/10/13/kylie-bearse-meteorologist-stalker-fox31/
Stalked by an obsessed fan, Fox31 meteorologist Kylie Bearse is frustrated by the justice system
Cited text: He messaged her repeatedly, making new accounts when she blocked him. He claimed she was his wife. He showed up to events she hosted, once with an unw...
Excerpt: The man messaged her repeatedly, creating new accounts when blocked, claimed she was his wife, showed up at events she hosted with unwanted gifts, found her personal mobile number, and contacted her family and friends
https://www.denverpost.com/2025/10/13/kylie-bearse-meteorologist-stalker-fox31/
Stalked by an obsessed fan, Fox31 meteorologist Kylie Bearse is frustrated by the justice system
Cited text: In January 2024, after six months of unwelcome attention, Bearse received a permanent restraining order against him.
Excerpt: After six months of unwelcome attention, Bearse received a permanent restraining order in January 2024
https://www.greeleytribune.com/2025/10/13/kylie-bearse-meteorologist-stalker-fox31/
Stalked by an obsessed fan, Fox31 meteorologist Kylie Bearse is frustrated by the justice system
Cited text: The 69-year-old man was legally prohibited from contacting her in any way or coming physically near her. Bearse didn’t hear from him for about 18 mont...
Excerpt: The 69-year-old was legally prohibited from contacting her in any way or coming near her, and she didn't hear from him for about 18 months
https://www.greeleytribune.com/2025/10/13/kylie-bearse-meteorologist-stalker-fox31/
Stalked by an obsessed fan, Fox31 meteorologist Kylie Bearse is frustrated by the justice system
Cited text: The man was still sitting in his truck outside her house, unarmed, when Denver police officers arrested him around noon, according to a police report,...
Excerpt: When Denver police arrived at her home around noon on September 11, they found the man still sitting in his truck outside, noting that Bearse was 'visibly shaken and afraid'
https://www.greeleytribune.com/2025/10/13/kylie-bearse-meteorologist-stalker-fox31/
Stalked by an obsessed fan, Fox31 meteorologist Kylie Bearse is frustrated by the justice system
Cited text: (Photo by Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post) The prosecutor on Bearse’s case told her that he didn’t think it warranted a felony stalking charge because mo...
Excerpt: The prosecutor told Bearse they didn't think the case warranted a felony stalking charge because more than 18 months had passed between the first incidents and when the man showed up at her house
https://www.denverpost.com/2025/10/13/kylie-bearse-meteorologist-stalker-fox31/
Female meteorologist shares nightmare that began when creepy viewer sent her gushing messages—NewsBreak
Cited text: He was jailed on a charge of felony stalking, but the charge was later dropped to a misdemeanor offence for violating a protection order. He was relea...
Excerpt: He was initially jailed on felony stalking charges, but these were reduced to misdemeanour charges for violating a protection order, and he was released on a $1,500 personal recognisance bond just days after his arrest
https://www.newsbreak.com/daily-mai...-when-creepy-viewer-sent-her-gushing-messages
Stalked by an obsessed fan, Fox31 meteorologist Kylie Bearse is frustrated by the justice system
Cited text: Colorado law defines stalking, in part, as when a person knowingly and repeatedly follows, approaches, contacts or communicates with another person in...
Excerpt: Colorado law defines stalking as when someone knowingly and repeatedly follows or contacts another person causing serious emotional distress, with 'repeatedly' defined as 'on more than one occasion…
https://www.denverpost.com/2025/10/13/kylie-bearse-meteorologist-stalker-fox31/
Female meteorologist shares nightmare that began when creepy viewer sent her gushing messages—NewsBreak
Cited text: '[The prosecutor] said, because there was a break in time from the original stalking to when he followed me home, it does not count as repeated,' she ...
Excerpt: According to Bearse, prosecutors said the break in time between original stalking and the home incident meant it didn't count as 'repeated' behaviour, though the law defines 'repeatedly' as 'more than once' with no timeline specified.
https://www.newsbreak.com/daily-mai...-when-creepy-viewer-sent-her-gushing-messages
Stalked by an obsessed fan, Fox31 meteorologist Kylie Bearse is frustrated by the justice system
Cited text: Data shows that Denver prosecutors charge stalking cases less frequently than many neighboring jurisdictions, and advocates worry that stalking isn’t ...
Excerpt: Recent data shows Denver prosecutors charge stalking cases less frequently than many neighbouring jurisdictions, with advocates worrying that stalking isn't always taken seriously by those in power
https://www.denverpost.com/2025/10/13/kylie-bearse-meteorologist-stalker-fox31/
Stalked by an obsessed fan, Fox31 meteorologist Kylie Bearse is frustrated by the justice system
Cited text: The Denver District Attorney's Office charges stalking cases less frequently than neighboring jurisdictions, data shows.
Excerpt: Recent data shows Denver prosecutors charge stalking cases less frequently than many neighbouring jurisdictions, with advocates worrying that stalking isn't always taken seriously by those in power
https://www.denverpost.com/2025/10/13/kylie-bearse-meteorologist-stalker-fox31/
Female meteorologist shares nightmare that began when creepy viewer sent her gushing messages—NewsBreak
Cited text: The meteorologist, who no longer feels safe in her home, was forced to find 'different housing since he got out of jail,' she said.
Excerpt: The meteorologist, who no longer feels safe in her home, was forced to find different housing after the man was released from jail
https://www.newsbreak.com/daily-mai...-when-creepy-viewer-sent-her-gushing-messages
Stalked by an obsessed fan, Fox31 meteorologist Kylie Bearse is frustrated by the justice system
Cited text: Bearse is used to the heightened scrutiny that comes from being on local TV. But the man who violated the protection order went beyond being an overze...
Excerpt: Bearse acknowledges that being on local television comes with heightened scrutiny, noting that people comment on her job, appearance, and makeup choices.
https://www.denverpost.com/2025/10/13/kylie-bearse-meteorologist-stalker-fox31/
Female meteorologist shares nightmare that began when creepy viewer sent her gushing messages—NewsBreak
Cited text: Bearse claimed she shared her story because 'I never want another woman to feel as unsafe as I did.' She also said she knows she is not the only perso...
Excerpt: Bearse shared her story publicly because she 'never wants another woman to feel as unsafe as I did' and knows she's not the only person the system has failed
https://www.newsbreak.com/daily-mai...-when-creepy-viewer-sent-her-gushing-messages
Kylie Bearse | Facebook
Cited text: Kylie Bearse · Profile · Digital creator · Meteorologist at FOX31 KDVR.com · Former Meteorologist at 9NEWS Weather · Studied Broadcast News at Univers...
Excerpt: In a recent Facebook post, Bearse expressed appreciation for The Denver Post's detailed examination of stalking numbers across Colorado, calling the process 'incredibly frustrating'
https://www.facebook.com/kyliebearse/
Female meteorologist shares nightmare that began when creepy viewer sent her gushing messages—NewsBreak
Cited text: 'It doesn't matter that he's been stalking me for three years, they let this man out of jail,' she added.
Excerpt: Despite the frustrating legal outcome, Bearse remains determined to highlight the issue, noting that 'it doesn't matter that he's been stalking me for three years, they let this man out of jail'
https://www.newsbreak.com/daily-mai...-when-creepy-viewer-sent-her-gushing-messages
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