A Texas man was recently arrested in Indianapolis after allegedly stalking WNBA star Caitlin Clark. Michael T. Lewis, 55, from Denton, Texas, has been charged with stalking and threatening sexual battery, following a series of alarming social media posts directed at Clark.
The posts included claims of following Clark around the Indianapolis area, attending games, and even driving across state lines to harass her in person. Authorities quickly traced the messages to Lewis’s location, and upon discovering he had traveled to Indiana, they became even more concerned about his intentions.
When questioned by police, Lewis initially downplayed the seriousness of his messages, calling them a “joke” and insisting they weren’t meant to be taken seriously. However, law enforcement found his continued online activity threatening, particularly given the potential impact on Clark’s safety. The FBI got involved, and with the help of local authorities, they were able to locate Lewis at a hotel in downtown Indianapolis. He was subsequently arrested and held at the Marion County Jail, where a no-contact order was issued, barring him from contacting Clark or approaching her at any of her games.
The incident has raised significant awareness about online harassment and its real-world consequences. WNBA players like Clark, who are high-profile public figures, often become targets of such behavior.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by stalking and the importance of taking swift action to protect athletes and others from such threats. If convicted, Lewis could face up to six years in prison, reflecting the seriousness of this crime.
