Mixed Martial Artist Arrested in Kenwood Village Inn Attack

A 30-year-old man is behind bars after St. Petersburg Police say the victim in a beating at the Kenwood Village Inn regained consciousness and identified her attacker.

Detectives arrested Bruce Gress Wednesday night on one count of attempted first-degree murder.

The attack in question occurred Aug. 23 at the 701 34th St. N. hotel.

“Gress, who describes himself as a mixed martial arts trainer/fighter, and the victim arrived at her motel room to engage in a prostitution act,” wrote police spokesman Mike Puetz in an email to media. “Once in the room Gress became upset with the victim and proceeded to strangle,
beat and kick the victim in the face until she was rendered unconscious.”

Gress was recorded on a surveillance video leaving the room after the attack. A short while later, a neighbor discovered the victim.

The 21-year-old woman police say Gress attacked was taken to Bayfront Medical Center and had to have surgery to repair facial and jaw fractions.

“When the victim regained consciousness she was able to assist detectives in identifying Gress,” Puetz wrote.

Gress was being held in the Pinellas County Jail without bond Thursday morning. Jail records indicate he has been arrested on traffic-related charges in the past.

Photo Credit: Bruce Gress/Pinellas County Jail