Australian jiu-jitsu fighter Izaak Michell has been placed on a Texas police ‘most wanted’ list in connection with sexual assault allegations.
An alert was issued for the 27-year-old by Hays County Crime Stoppers in central Texas over a second-degree sexual assault charge.
“Hays County Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading directly to the arrest or indictment of Izaak Joshua Michell,” the alert stated.
Members of the public have been warned to exercise caution if they encounter Michell. His last known residence was in Austin, Texas, however his current whereabouts are unknown.
The decorated fighter, originally from Adelaide, has tattoos on his left upper arm and on both forearms.
In an interview with Seven News, Hays County deputy Mark Andrews said the investigation remains ongoing and that “additional charges may follow”.
“Our agency is actively investigating Izaak Michell, and that the investigation has resulted in the issuance of an arrest warrant against Michell for the offence of sexual assault – a second degree felony,” he said.
“While I cannot provide specific identifying information about the (alleged) survivor, the survivor is an adult woman.
“The investigation is still active, and additional charges may follow. Our agency has requested that Michell be added to the Hays County Crime Stopper’s Most Wanted list which allows for the issuance of rewards for tips leading to Michell’s arrest.”
Michell had previously competed under the banner of Kingsway Jiu-Jitsu, but was removed from the gym’s roster of competitors last month.
Co-founder Gordon Ryan confirmed the decision in an Instagram post.
“Izak Michell is no longer training or affiliated in any way with our gym. We have been advised that no further details should be made public at this time,” Ryan wrote.
Michell was also stripped of his light heavyweight championship belt by Subversion Jiu-Jitsu following the emergence of the allegations.
The promotion announced on social media that it was “vacating the Light Heavyweight Championship effective immediately” and said it would make no further comment as the situation develops.
Anyone with information regarding Michell’s whereabouts is urged to contact Hays County Crime Stoppers anonymously on the US number 1-800-324-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at callcrimestoppers.com.
Images: Instagram
