Welcome to Arrest Stories. A WWE superstar known to fans around the world found himself surrendering to Florida authorities over an alleged elevator confrontation that turned violent. Heres what may have happened.
In Orlando, Florida, on April twenty-third, at approximately six thirty PM, a man named Richard Reap entered an elevator at an apartment complex and encountered Marcel Barthel, known to WWE fans as Ludwig Kaiser and El Grande Americano, along with an unidentified woman. Reap alleged that the pair were acting in what he described as an uncontrollably intimate manner inside the elevator.
After the group exited onto the twelfth floor, Reap told the two to please have some manners. According to the arrest affidavit, Barthel then allegedly punched Reap multiple times, pushed him to the ground, and threatened further violence.
Orlando Police responded to the apartment complex at approximately six thirty-seven PM after receiving reports of a physical altercation on the twelfth floor. The responding officer observed a fresh scratch and redness on the back of Reaps head, which was described as consistent with a recent physical altercation.
Investigators reviewed surveillance footage from the twelfth floor. The affidavit states the footage appears to show a white male punching and pushing Reap outside the elevator at the reported time of the incident. That video has not been publicly released. Later that evening, Reap identified Barthel in a six-person photo lineup conducted by investigators.
Based on the evidence gathered, investigators determined there was probable cause to charge Barthel with simple battery under Florida Statute seven eight four point zero three, one A. The warrant notes there were no allegations involving weapons, firearms, intoxication, or a shared residence between the parties.
Barthel was arrested in May after traveling from Mexico to Florida to surrender to authorities. He pleaded not guilty after learning a warrant had been issued for his arrest. Following his arrest, Barthel was ordered to have no contact with the alleged victim or any witnesses. Court records indicate he was granted one supervised visit to the apartment with law enforcement present. He has been permitted to continue traveling internationally for WWE appearances, provided he returns for all required court proceedings.
Barthels legal team has filed a motion seeking to preserve and obtain the elevator surveillance footage. A pre-trial conference is scheduled for Thursday, July sixteenth, in Orange County Court. Neither Barthel nor WWE has publicly commented on the case.
All suspects presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Do not take this report as factual, always verify facts. Thanks for watching Arrest Stories.