An ADCC Asia Trials winner wanted by Texas authorities on a SA charge is believed to be living in a van along the New South Wales north coast, according to local reports.
Authorities are offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to Izaak Michelle’s capture. The Adelaide-born martial artist was reportedly spotted four days ago in the North Wall car park in Ballina, in the state’s Northern Rivers region.
A local resident who encountered Michell at the coastal parking spot shared their concerns in a Northern Rivers Facebook group, stating they felt compelled to leave the area immediately after the encounter.
“I saw this man four days ago in the North Wall parking lot in Ballina. He gave me a really bad feeling and made me () uncomfortable, so I left without hesitation,” the post read.
According to sources, Michell has been living out of a blue-grey Suzuki APV van. Additional sightings have been reported in Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast and more recently in Byron Bay.
The allegations against Michell came to public attention after his former teammate, Hannah Griffith, shared a detailed statement on social media. Griffith, 23, is a three-time Pans No-Gi gold medallist and the younger sister of professional grappler Luke Griffith. She broke her silence on Instagram on December 29.
The timing of the alleged incident proved particularly difficult for Griffith, who said it occurred just one week before she was scheduled to compete at the World Championships.
Following the allegations, other women have come forward publicly with additional claims against Michell.
Hays County Deputy Mark Andrews confirmed that an arrest warrant has been issued for the martial artist. “Our agency is actively investigating Izaak Michell, and the investigation has resulted in the issuance of an arrest warrant against Michell for the offence of s**ual assault, a second-degree felony,” Andrews said.
He added that the investigation remains ongoing. “The investigation is still active and additional charges may follow.”
ADCC was contacted for comment but they failed to provide a response, if they do respond this article will be updated.
Michell was also removed from the Kingsway Jiu-Jitsu gym in Austin, Texas, where he had been training. Gordon Ryan, a co-founder of Kingsway, confirmed the decision on Instagram.
“Izaak 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.
Despite the international warrant and ongoing investigation, Michell was seen in Australia as recently as November when he returned to Adelaide for his sister Jemma’s wedding. He was photographed walking her down the aisle during the ceremony.
HCCS is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading directly to Michell’s arrest or indictment. The organization is urging anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact them anonymously through their official channels.
