Details regarding the arrest of Ludwig Kaiser aka El Grande Americano on battery charge
Ludwig Kaiser aka El Grande Americano, whose real name is Marcel Barthel, was arrested on May 20th 2026 in Orange County, Florida. Barthel, after being charged with battery, was bonded out of Orange County Corrections in Orlando on $1,000 bail at 11:20 PM Eastern.
The affidavit alleges that on April 23th 2026, at Paramount on Lake Eola in Orlando, complainant Richard Reap entered an elevator around 6:30 PM and encountered Barthel and a woman, who were described as acting in an “uncontrollably intimate” manner. After exiting on the 12th floor and telling them to “please have some manners,” Reap claimed Barthel punched him multiple times, pushed him to the ground, and threatened further violence.
Police documented a scratch on the back of Reap’s head and redness consistent with a recent altercation. Officers also stated that surveillance footage from the 12th floor showed a white male punching and pushing Reap outside the elevator around the reported time.
Authorities later identified Barthel as the suspect, and Reap reportedly identified him in a photo lineup. Based on the allegations and evidence cited, officers stated they established probable cause for an arrest on a simple battery charge.
The warrant also states there were no allegations involving weapons, firearms, intoxication, or shared residency. Barthel was ordered to have no contact with victims or witnesses and was permitted one supervised return to the apartment with law enforcement.
The affidavit reflects allegations made by the complainant and findings cited by police in support of the warrant. It is not a conviction or judicial determination of guilt.
