Florida Lawyer Accused of Violent Assault on Cruise Ship
A 38-year-old Florida attorney has been arrested and charged following a disturbing alleged assault on a senior citizen aboard the Norwegian Encore cruise ship. The incident, which occurred last Saturday while the vessel was docked in Miami, left the 67-year-old victim unconscious and requiring emergency medical attention from fellow passengers.
Details of the Alleged Altercation
According to an arrest report cited by multiple news outlets, Phillip Ortiz attempted to enter a hallway that had been restricted from passenger access. The elderly man, whose identity remains confidential, informed Ortiz that the area was off-limits. This apparently triggered an aggressive response from the lawyer.
Authorities state that Ortiz responded with "Who the f*** are you to tell me what I can and can't do?" before physically pushing the senior. The situation escalated further when Ortiz's wife reportedly joined in, also pushing the victim. The arrest report describes Ortiz becoming "enraged" and continuing his attack.
In an attempt to protect himself, the elderly man retreated into the restricted hallway and tried to secure the doors against Ortiz. However, the lawyer managed to force the door open and charged at the victim. During the ensuing struggle, Ortiz allegedly tripped the 67-year-old, causing him to fall and land on his head with Ortiz's full body weight on top of him.
Aftermath and Legal Proceedings
The senior lost consciousness following the fall, and according to the report, Ortiz left him lying on the floor without offering assistance. Fellow cruise passengers immediately stepped in to perform CPR on the unconscious man before ship's nurses and security personnel arrived. The victim was subsequently transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Ortiz was arrested and initially charged with aggravated battery on a person 65 or older. However, during a court hearing on Monday, Judge Mindy Glazer downgraded the charge to battery on an elderly person, noting "There's nothing indicating the Vic has permanent injuries," according to NBC 6 South Florida.
Ortiz's attorney, Stephan Lopez, told WSVN that his client "vehemently denies that he is the primary aggressor" and claimed both Ortiz and his wife sustained minor injuries during the incident. Ortiz was granted bond with the condition that he must have no contact with the elderly victim.
According to his online professional biography, Ortiz specialises in state and federal commercial and civil litigation at The Firm Law Group and has been in good standing with the Florida Bar since his admission in 2012.
