A mixed martial arts fighter and former cast member of “The Ultimate Fighter” reality television show is charged with misdemeanor assault for an alleged attack Friday on a female high school wrestler.
According to Deputy Prosecutor Glenn Shiigi, the police report indicates 36-year-old Daniel Lee Barrera of Keaau walked into wrestling practice at Pahoa High School uninvited, came up behind the girl as she was in a wrestler’s position on hands and knees, and struck her three times on the back with an open palm, causing pain and redness. The girl reportedly told police she had never met Barrera prior to the incident.
The UFC website states Barrera, who fought at 170 pounds, was part of “The Ultimate Fighter” series in 2007, competing for a team of Ultimate Fighting Championship hopefuls coached by former welterweight champion Matt Hughes. According to a bio on the Edge MMA website, Barrera, a native of Rupert, Idaho, is an Air Force combat veteran who has studied fire science.
Barrera made his initial court appearance Monday and his attorney, Deputy Public Defender Austin Hsu, requested a mental examination for Barrera.
Shiigi said the state had no objection and told Hilo District Judge Harry Freitas that Barrera has two convictions each for disorderly conduct and harassment, with the latest conviction resulting in a 12-day jail sentence. He said with the assault charge, Barrera’s unruly behavior “appears to be escalating.”
At that point, Barrera asked if he could approach the bench. Freitas denied his request, but told him he could speak if he wished.
“They invited me into the school to help them wrestle. I’m a very, very skilled grappler,” Barrera said. At that point, Hsu cut Barrera off.
Freitas granted Hsu’s request for a mental examination for Barrera, set a court date for Feb. 28 and maintained Barrera’s $2,000 bail.
“Am I being released?” Barrera asked.
“You are not,” the judge said.
“What is the reason I cannot be released?” Barrera inquired.
“Because you have too much of a history,” Freitas replied.
As Barrera was led out of the courtroom by several sheriff’s deputies, he turned to the gallery and said loudly, “I’m sorry, Mom, they’re not releasing me. … I was just helping the wrestling. These kids need to wake up. I wanted them to wake up because Hawaiians need to toughen up. OK? I was at wrestling practice.”
“I hear you, Mr. Barrera,” the judge said.
“I don’t understand how this is assault,” Barrera asserted. He then made several rapping noises with his hands. “You play football? Anybody? Am I f——-g crazy here? There’s murderers on the street! My sister got murdered two weeks ago in Pahoa!”
Deputies then wrestled Barrera into the courthouse cellblock as he demanded to talk to his lawyer.