An Australian professional martial arts fighter is the target of an international manhunt, with United States authorities issuing a public alert and a cash reward for information leading to his arrest over an alleged sexual assault in Texas.
Warrant Issued for Adelaide-Born Athlete
Hays County Crime Stoppers in central Texas has issued a wanted alert for 27-year-old Izaak Joshua Michell, who faces a second-degree felony charge for sexual assault. Michell, originally from Adelaide, is a decorated jiu-jitsu athlete. The alert explicitly warns the public that the "subject is a martial arts expert" and advises civilians to exercise caution if they encounter him.
Police state that Michell, who also goes by Izaak J. Michell, was last known to be residing in Austin, Texas. However, speculation within the global jiu-jitsu community, circulating on social media, suggests he may have already returned to Australia. Potential locations include Byron Bay on the NSW north coast or the Gold Coast in Queensland.
Description and Substantial Reward Offered
Authorities have provided a detailed physical description of the wanted man. Michell is described as Caucasian, approximately 180cm tall and weighing between 84kg and 88kg. He has green eyes, a shaved head, and has previously been seen with a brown beard. He is known to have distinctive tattoos on his left upper arm, left elbow, left forearm, and right forearm.
A reward of up to US$1,000 (approximately AUD $1,500) is being offered for information that leads directly to Michell's arrest. Hays County Deputy Mark Andrews confirmed to 7NEWS that their agency is actively investigating Michell and that the arrest warrant relates to an alleged assault on an adult woman.
"The investigation is still active, and additional charges may follow," Deputy Andrews stated. The agency has successfully requested Michell be added to the Hays County Crime Stopper’s Most Wanted list to facilitate the reward offer.
International Extradition Treaty Applies
The case has immediate international ramifications due to the formal extradition agreement between Australia and the United States. This treaty means that if Michell is located on Australian soil, he can be legally sent back to Texas to face the charges.
Law enforcement is urging anyone with information on Izaak Michell's whereabouts to contact Hays County Crime Stoppers anonymously. Tips can be submitted via the US number 1‑800‑324‑TIPS (8477), online at callcrimestoppers.com, or through the P3 Tips smartphone app.
When approached for comment, the Australian Ju-Jitsu Federation (AJF) did not provide an immediate statement. Both the Federal Attorney-General’s office and the Australian Federal Police have also declined to comment on the ongoing international investigation.
