Texas Man Arrested for Stalking WNBA Star Caitlin Clark in Indianapolis

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — A 55-year-old Texas man was arrested Sunday on felony stalking charges after allegedly sending threatening and sexually violent messages to WNBA star Caitlin Clark, according to court documents.

Michael Lewis of Denton, Texas, was taken into custody at an Indianapolis hotel and charged with a Level 5 felony. He faces up to six years in prison and a $10,000 fine if convicted. Lewis is scheduled to appear in court Tuesday morning.

Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears said the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department first contacted Lewis on Wednesday regarding messages he allegedly sent to Clark on X, formerly known as Twitter. One message read, “Been driving around your house 3x a day,” while another stated, “I’m getting tickets. I’m sitting behind the bench.” Other messages contained sexually violent content, according to court records.

Clark told investigators she feared for her safety even before Lewis arrived in Indianapolis and had altered her public appearances as a precaution. Police traced the IP address of Lewis’ recent messages to the hotel where he was staying. Lewis reportedly told authorities he was in “an imaginary relationship” with Clark and had traveled to Indianapolis on vacation.

“It takes a lot of courage for women to come forward in these cases, which is why many don’t,” Mears 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.”

Prosecutors have requested that Lewis be banned from Hinkle Fieldhouse and Gainbridge Fieldhouse, where the Indiana Fever play. This incident follows a similar case in December, when a 40-year-old Oregon man received a one-year suspended sentence and three years’ probation for harassing another basketball star.

Mears commended Pacers Sports & Entertainment and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office for their swift response, which led to Lewis’ arrest. “No matter how prominent a figure you are, this case shows that online harassment can quickly escalate to actual threats of physical violence,” he added.