In a chilling incident that highlights the dangers of obsession and stalking, an actress, Theresa Saldana, fell victim to a deranged fan in 1982. Arthur Richard Jackson, a 46-year-old drifter from Aberdeen, Scotland, had become fixated on Saldana after watching her in the films "Defiance" and "Raging Bull". His obsession led him to concoct a sinister plan to track her down.

Jackson's scheme involved hiring a private investigator to obtain the unlisted phone number of Saldana's mother. He then impersonated Martin Scorsese's assistant, telling Saldana's mother that the acclaimed director was interested in casting her daughter in a film role in Europe and needed her address to contact her. Tragically, Saldana's mother, unaware of Jackson's true intentions, provided the address. At the time, the concept of protecting actors from stalkers was not a major concern, and it seemed plausible that Scorsese might reach out to Saldana for a last-minute project.

On March 15, 1982, Jackson approached Saldana outside her West Hollywood residence in broad daylight. He launched a brutal attack, repeatedly stabbing her with a 5 1/2-inch hunting knife, puncturing her lung. The ferocity of the attack was such that the knife blade bent.

Despite the presence of several onlookers, including children, the attack continued until a deliveryman named Jeff Fenn intervened. Hearing Saldana's cries, Fenn rushed from a nearby apartment building and managed to incapacitate Jackson.

Saldana was rushed to the hospital with ten stab wounds and remained hospitalized for four months. The incident had a profound impact on her life, and she later recounted the experience in the television film "Victims for Victims: The Theresa Saldana Story" and an episode of "Hunter".

Arthur Richard Jackson had a history of mental health issues and had previously been deported from the United States on two occasions. He had even been detained by the Secret Service for making threats against John F. Kennedy. He re-entered the country illegally a third time in January 1982, fueled by his obsession with Saldana.

Following the attack, Jackson was convicted of assault and sentenced to prison. Saldana became a vocal advocate for stalking awareness, dedicating herself to raising public consciousness about the crime. Her experience helped to change perceptions of stalking and highlighted the need for greater protection for celebrities and individuals from obsessive fans. Theresa Saldana passed away on June 6, 2016, at the age of 61.