Missing Iowa City attempted murder suspect on house arrest cut ankle monitor, police say

Federal and local law enforcement agencies are looking for a missing Iowa City attempted murder suspect after he cut off his ankle monitor while on house arrest in O'Brien County, according to a news release from the University of Iowa Police Department and Johnson County Attorney's Office

Ali Younes, 19, originally was charged with first-degree robbery and first-degree theft in April 2022 after police said he followed a woman on foot, tackled her near the University of Iowa Art Building West, strangled her until she lost consciousness and stole her earrings, valued at $20,000.

April 2022 Facebook post from UI Public Safety before initial arrest:

In a trial information the following month, the Johnson County Attorney's Office added the attempted murder charge.

After a contested bond hearing, the court released Younes on several conditions, including that he wear a GPS monitor, surrender his passport and stay with family members in O'Brien County pending trial, the release said.

The Johnson County Attorney's Office was notified Saturday that Younes cut off his ankle monitor and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

The FBI and Department of Homeland Security are involved in the search for Younes, and authorities are advising anyone who has information about his whereabouts to contact police immediately by calling 911 but not to approach him.