UPDATE: A Griffith man has been charged with sexual battery following a shocking incident at the town’s Rock n’ Rail festival. Michael R. “Mad Mac” McInerney, aged 63, faces two counts of sexual battery, categorized as a Level 6 felony, after allegedly groping a woman during a bicycle drive-by.
The incident occurred around 10:55 p.m. on August 28, 2023, as festival-goers enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere. A woman reported to Griffith police that while she was walking between food trucks in the 200 block of Broad Street, McInerney rode past her on a bicycle and grabbed her left breast before fleeing the scene.
Determined to confront her assailant, the woman chased McInerney, throwing her ice cream cone at him in a desperate attempt to get his attention. Upon catching up to him, she confronted McInerney about the unwanted contact, only to have him grab her breast a second time, according to court documents filed Wednesday.
The victim managed to record McInerney as he rode away, showing him making an obscene gesture. Detectives quickly analyzed surveillance footage from Griffith Police cameras, confirming the man’s identity based on the victim’s description. The videos depicted McInerney on his bicycle, slowing down near the victim before departing.
Authorities identified McInerney from “multiple prior police contacts,” further solidifying the case against him. The video evidence corroborates the victim’s account, showing her accusations as he left the scene.
McInerney, known locally for occasionally serving as a fill-in host on WJOB radio 1230 AM, is scheduled for an initial hearing on December 19, 2023, as the community grapples with the implications of this alarming event.
This incident has sparked outrage among festival-goers and residents, raising urgent questions about safety in public spaces. The investigation continues as police urge anyone with additional information to come forward.
As this story develops, further updates will be provided on the legal proceedings and community responses to this unsettling occurrence.
