I guess what I wonder is whether one instance of telephone harassment will get the police interested. Now, I just learned that he has harassed others with phone messages last week, so we may all go together and take action collectively, which will be more effective.

However, I am trying to get into this guy's mind and figure out what will work. I know the legal alternatives, and I also know that filing a harassment complaint is probably necessary. But what is the right way to deal psychologically with an obsessed and paranoid person? What "works" and what "doesn't work"?

Hey, I'm all for writing letters. Be delighted to write one, believe you me. But will it work? Remember that this is--I must repeat and emphasize--NOT a rational person! But he does have traits, symptoms I guess is the best word, and I am trying to figure out how to respond in a way that will make him go away.