URGENT UPDATE: A 63-year-old man from Griffith, identified as Michael R. “Mad Mac” McInerney, has been charged with sexual battery after a shocking incident during the town’s popular Rock n’ Rail Fest on August 28, 2023. This incident has raised serious concerns about public safety at community events.
According to court records, McInerney faces two counts of sexual battery, categorized as a Level 6 felony. The initial hearing for this case is set for December 19, 2023. The victim reported the assault to police at around 10:55 p.m. on the night of the incident, revealing that McInerney groped her while riding a bicycle through the festival.
The woman was walking between two food trucks in the 200 block of Broad Street when she noticed McInerney approaching. As he passed, he reached out and grabbed her left breast, according to a probable cause affidavit filed on Wednesday. In a desperate attempt to confront him, the victim chased after McInerney and threw her ice cream cone at him. However, he retaliated by groping her again as she confronted him about the unwanted contact.
In a dramatic turn, the victim recorded McInerney flipping her off as he rode away. Griffith detectives quickly reviewed surveillance footage from the festival and identified McInerney, who was already known to law enforcement from multiple prior contacts. The footage corroborated the victim’s account, showing McInerney slowing down near the victim before fleeing the scene.
This alarming event has sparked outrage in the Griffith community, where residents are now questioning safety measures at public gatherings. Griffith Police Department emphasizes the importance of reporting such incidents to enhance community safety and ensure that offenders are held accountable.
As the case unfolds, community members are urged to remain vigilant and report any further incidents. The upcoming hearing on December 19 will be closely watched as it could lead to significant developments in how such cases are handled in the future.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
