Indianapolis police have arrested a 55-year-old Texas man on charges of stalking WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark.
Michael Lewis allegedly sent threats and sexually violent messages to the Indiana Fever guard on social media. He was arrested on a Level 5 felony stalking charge at an Indianapolis hotel on Sunday, per court records.
He is due to appear in court on Tuesday and could face up to six years in prison and a $10,000 fine if convicted.
Responding to the threats, Clark told police she feared for her safety and had altered her appearance in public.
“It takes a lot of courage for women to come forward in these cases, which is why many don’t,” Marion County prosecutor Ryan Mears said, per the Indianapolis Star. “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.
“We commend Pacers Sports & Entertainment, and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office for the swift and serious action that led to this weekend’s arrest.”
Authorities are reportedly seeking to ban Lewis from Hinkle Fieldhouse and Gainbridge Fieldhouse, arenas where the Fever play their home games.
Clark, 22, was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft after a celebrated career at Iowa. She earned All-Star and All-WNBA honors and was named the WNBA Rookie of the Year last season.
–Field Level Media