A Texas man has been arrested on suspicion of sending threatening and sexually explicit messages to WNBA star Caitlin Clark before driving to Indianapolis.
Michael Lewis, 55, was arrested and charged with felony stalking after authorities in Indianapolis tracked him to a local hotel.
A week before his arrest, police questioned Lewis about the messages. Lewis told officers the messages were just a fantasy, not real, and he had no intention of acting on them. He also said he was in Indianapolis on vacation.
Authorities reportedly told Lewis to stop exchanging messages with Clark, but the communications continued.
According to court documents obtained by TMZ Sports, Clark was not only aware of the stalking messages, but even adjusted his schedule for public appearances due to safety concerns.
According to court documents, one of Lewis' messages read, “You're driving around my house three times a day…but don't call the law yet. Ordinary people like Gainbridge…a.k.a. Caitlin's Field. You are allowed to drive by the house.''
Another read: “I'm getting tickets. I'm sitting behind the bench…and I'm going to make them stand up…look at me…calm down Michael …Stuck in the snow.”
Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears praised Clark for “coming forward” with the alleged stalking and reporting the threat to law enforcement.
“It takes a lot of courage for a woman to come forward in a case like this, which is why so many people don't come forward,” Mears said. “In doing so, the victim will set an example for all women who are entitled to live and work in Indy without the threat of sexual violence.”
If convicted, Lewis could face six years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
