Gresham cops battle with Cuban 'wrestling champ'

Gresham cops battle with Cuban 'wrestling champ'

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By KATU Web Staff

GRESHAM, Ore. – A man who said he is a five-time Cuban national wrestling champion got into a fight with six Gresham officers Saturday night, withstanding four hits from a stun gun before police were finally able to handcuff him.

According to Gresham police, it all started when two officers responded to a report of a drunk and belligerent man inside the Plaid Pantry at 590 W. Powell Blvd. about 11:30 p.m. They escorted the man into the parking lot, where he started fighting with them, police said.

More officers arrived, and, after a three-minute struggle, they were finally able to force the man to the ground. Police said repeated hits from a stun gun appeared to have no effect on the man and that he was “incredibly strong.”

Once he was in custody, the man told police he was a Cuban wrestling champion and that the officers had “messed with the wrong one.”

Worter Torriente-Vela, 28, of Vancouver, Wash., was lodged at the Multnomah County jail on charges of trespass, criminal mischief, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and cocaine possession.

Police said three officers were hurt during the struggle. KATU could not independently confirm that Torriente-Vela was a Cuban wrestler.

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