Authorities stated Monday that a guy who traveled from Texas to Indianapolis was taken into custody on suspicion of stalking WNBA player Caitlin Clark.
Marion County prosecutors filed a complaint alleging that 55-year-old Michael Thomas Lewis of Denton engaged in a “course of conduct involving repeated or continuing harassment of Caitlin Clark that would cause a reasonable person to feel terrorized,” leading to one count of stalking.
Prosecutors said Lewis, who was arrested Sunday in Indianapolis, used X to send a slew of obscene, sexually suggestive messages to the WNBA’s rookie of the year between December 16 and January 2.
“Has been very fearful since learning of the messages and that she has altered her public appearances and patterns of movement due to fear for her safety,” Clark told police during her Saturday interview, according to the affidavit supporting Lewis’ arrest.
“Clark stated that she has become very concerned for her safety after learning that Lewis was in Indianapolis,” according to the complaint. “Clark also stated that she doesn t know Lewis and has never responded to any of his messages or posts.”
Online threats are taken seriously by Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears because they have the potential to become actual crimes.
This case demonstrates how online harassment can swiftly turn into real threats of physical harm, regardless of how well-known you are,” Mears said in a statement.
Many women choose not to speak up in these situations because it takes a lot of bravery. The victim is leading by example by doing this, demonstrating that all women in Indianapolis should be able to live and work without fear of sexual assault.