Category - Sports
Man Arrested for Allegedly Stalking Caitlin Clark
A Texas man is behind bars after police say he allegedly sent threatening and sexually violent messages to Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark.
According to ESPN, 55-year-old Michael Lewis of Denton, Texas was arrested Jan. 12 at a hotel in Indianapolis on a felony stalking charge after he allegedly sent various lewd messages and threats to the number-one draft pick via social media. Court documents chronicled his alleged messages to the WNBA star on X from Dec. 16 through Jan. 2.
"Been driving around your house three times a day," Lewis messaged Clark, court records said. "But don't call the law just yet, the public is allowed to drive by [Fever arena] Gainbridge [Fieldhouse]... a.k.a. Caitlin's Fieldhouse."
"I'm getting tickets. I'm sitting behind the bench," another message read. Others, court documents say, were more sexually explicit in nature.
Related: Caitlin Clark Responds to Backlash Over Flagrant Foul Controversy
Clark previously told police that she feared for her safety and never responded to any of Lewis' messages or posts. The FBI tracked down Lewis' messages to a hotel in downtown Indianapolis, where local police conducted a welfare check on the man and told officers he was in "an imaginary relationship" with Clark. Police reportedly told him to "not post things like he has been posting... because his posts can be perceived as threatening," per court docs.
His messages to Clark didn't stop even after the police paid him a visit. "They said I was sending threatening texts... But the only thought on my mind was... CAITLIIIIIIIIIIIIINNNNN," a message read.
Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears commended Clark for coming to the authorities for help. "It takes a lot of courage for women to come forward in these cases, which is why many don't," he said. "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."
Lewis could face up to six years in prison and a $10,000 fine.