A Texas man, Michael Lewis, 55, has been arrested in Indianapolis after reportedly stalking Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark.
Authorities allege that Lewis moved to Indianapolis and began sending the athlete a series of unsettling messages on social media even traveling 1,000 to be next to her.
Lewis was arrested at a hotel in Indianapolis on Sunday. Reports indicate he traveled over 1,000 miles from Texas in an effort to be closer to Clark.
Indianapolis police first interacted with Lewis on January 8 after tracking concerning posts directed at Clark to IP addresses associated with a hotel on North Market Street, according to Fox59 News anchor Angel Ganote.
Court documents reveal one particularly alarming message Lewis sent to Clark: “I’m getting tickets. I’m sitting behind the bench.“
Evidence from Lewis’ social media activity shows the messages began on December 16. Initially, they were incoherent and seemingly harmless but took a darker turn over time.
On December 27, Lewis wrote, “This fantasy Caitlin relationship is changing me for the better. And about an hour ago, I felt strong Caitlin feelings… like sensual… wow.”
Caitlin Clark Reports Stalker After Discovering He Was in Indianapolis
Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark took swift action by notifying police after becoming concerned for her safety upon learning that Michael Lewis, was in Indianapolis. Lewis, who claimed to be in an “imaginary relationship” with Clark, was arrested on Sunday after investigators traced his latest messages to an IP address linked to a hotel in the 100 block of North Market Street.
Authorities had initially contacted Lewis on January 8 regarding his disturbing messages to Clark. During that encounter, Lewis admitted to his delusional belief in a non-existent relationship with the basketball star. Despite this intervention, police say Lewis continued his alarming behavior, prompting his eventual arrest.
If convicted, Lewis could face a sentence of up to six years in prison, highlighting the legal consequences of such behavior and the importance of addressing online harassment before it turns into a physical threat.
