Michael Lewis, aged 55, faces charges of stalking after police in Indianapolis found him sending alarming messages to the 22-year-old athlete, who has expressed fears for her safety.
Man Arrested for Allegedly Stalking WNBA Star Caitlin Clark
Man Arrested for Allegedly Stalking WNBA Star Caitlin Clark
A Texas man has been charged following a series of threatening and sexually explicit messages sent to WNBA player Caitlin Clark.
In a disturbing case, police have arrested 55-year-old Michael Lewis from Texas on charges of stalking WNBA star Caitlin Clark. The man allegedly sent a multitude of threats and sexually explicit messages via social media, prompting a swift police response. Lewis was apprehended at a hotel in Indianapolis, the base city of Clark's team, the Indiana Fever.
Authorities noted the messages from Lewis on social media platform X, which included not only threats but also bizarre statements about driving near Clark's residence multiple times a day. One of his threatening messages stated, "@CaitlinClark22 been driving around your house 3x a day," while another mentioned his intentions to attend her games. Court documents reveal that Clark received these unsettling messages between December 16 and January 2.
Clark, who is recognized as the prospective rookie of the year for the Women's National Basketball Association in 2024, reported the harassment to law enforcement, citing increased safety concerns that led her to alter her appearance in public. The messages reportedly caused her to feel "terrorized, frightened, intimidated, or threatened," according to the prosecutors.
Law enforcement officials were able to track Lewis down after linking the IP addresses of the messages to his location in Indianapolis. Lewis claimed to the police that his messages were merely a product of imagination and should not be taken seriously, asserting that they were "a joke." However, the seriousness of the situation remains, as the prosecution underscores the importance of addressing such threats against women.
Marion County prosecutor Ryan Mears praised Clark for her bravery in coming forward, highlighting that many women do not report similar cases for fear of further victimization. He noted in a press release that every woman deserves the right to live and work without the looming threat of harassment or sexual violence.
This incident follows closely on the heels of another stalking case concerning women's college basketball star Paige Bueckers from Oregon, reflecting ongoing concerns about the safety of female athletes.
Authorities noted the messages from Lewis on social media platform X, which included not only threats but also bizarre statements about driving near Clark's residence multiple times a day. One of his threatening messages stated, "@CaitlinClark22 been driving around your house 3x a day," while another mentioned his intentions to attend her games. Court documents reveal that Clark received these unsettling messages between December 16 and January 2.
Clark, who is recognized as the prospective rookie of the year for the Women's National Basketball Association in 2024, reported the harassment to law enforcement, citing increased safety concerns that led her to alter her appearance in public. The messages reportedly caused her to feel "terrorized, frightened, intimidated, or threatened," according to the prosecutors.
Law enforcement officials were able to track Lewis down after linking the IP addresses of the messages to his location in Indianapolis. Lewis claimed to the police that his messages were merely a product of imagination and should not be taken seriously, asserting that they were "a joke." However, the seriousness of the situation remains, as the prosecution underscores the importance of addressing such threats against women.
Marion County prosecutor Ryan Mears praised Clark for her bravery in coming forward, highlighting that many women do not report similar cases for fear of further victimization. He noted in a press release that every woman deserves the right to live and work without the looming threat of harassment or sexual violence.
This incident follows closely on the heels of another stalking case concerning women's college basketball star Paige Bueckers from Oregon, reflecting ongoing concerns about the safety of female athletes.
