Ice Pick-Wielding Madonna Fan Arrested Outside Her NYC Home

By PopEater Staff Posted Sep 23rd 2010 06:18AM

A retired New York City firefighter yearning to meet Madonna has been accused of scrawling messages of adoration on the sidewalk outside her apartment building and possessing a 7 1/2-inch ice pick.

According to E! Online, Robert Linhart was observed outside of Madonna's home two times in four days and displaying signs to her reading, "I need you." He even had a message written on the top of his Toyota SUV reading, "Tell me yes or no. If it's yes, my dream will come true. If it's no, I will go."

Linhart is charged with graffiti and criminal possession of an ice pick recovered from his car. He's also charged with resisting arrest outside the building near Central Park. The grizzled 59-year-old was arraigned Wednesday in Manhattan Criminal Court. A judge set his bail at $20,000 cash.

Defense lawyer Cheryl Bader tells the Daily News there was "no threatening conduct" and it's "not a crime to adore Madonna," the singer of pop hits including 'Like a Virgin,' 'Music' and 'Vogue.'

Police say Linhart was arrested Tuesday while spray-painting messages to the singer and asking to meet her.

The fire department says Linhart retired in 1998.