North Texas man accused of stalking WNBA star Caitlin Clark in Indianapolis
A North Texas man accused of stalking Indiana Fever basketball star Caitlin Clark was arrested on Sunday, Jan. 12, in Indianapolis.
Michael Lewis, 55, of Denton, was charged with stalking after investigators found that he sent more than 15 messages, including sexually violent content and threats, to Clark via X, according to an arrest warrant affidavit.
One of the posts made by Lewis stated, “Been driving around your house 3x a day .. but don’t call the law just yet, the publc is allowed to drive by gainbridge .. aka Caitlin’s Fieldhouse”
“We are coming to u live from downtown indy and we have a special guest named Michael on vacation from Texas,” another post read.
The FBI investigated and confirmed that the X account belonged to Lewis, authorities said. The recent messages he sent to Clark came from IP addresses at the Hilton Garden Hotel, at 120 W. Market Street in Indianapolis, and a downtown Indianapolis Public Library.
“Lewis’s presence in Indianapolis was especially concerning given that he is a Texas resident,” the affidavit states.
He continued to message Clark after being questioned about his behavior by law enforcement, which demonstrates a complete disregard for the seriousness of his conduct and a likelihood that he will attempt to continue his pattern of harassment, the affidavit states.
Lewis said he was in Indianapolis on vacation, and when investigators asked why he was making so many posts about Clark, Lewis told investigators, “just the same reason everybody makes posts.”
Clark told investigators that she has been afraid since learning of the messages and that she has altered her public appearances and patterns of movement due to fear for her safety.
Clark, who did not know Lewis, became concerned for her safety after learning that he was in Indianapolis, according to the affidavit.
“No matter how prominent a figure you are, this case shows that online harassment can quickly escalate to actual threats of physical violence,” Prosecutor Ryan Mears told the Indianapolis Star. ”It takes a lot of courage for women to come forward in these cases, which is why many don’t. In doing so, the victim is setting an example for all women who deserve to live and work in Indy without the threat of sexual violence.”