A Miami-based lawyer is confronting serious legal consequences after allegedly assaulting an elderly passenger aboard a cruise ship, leaving the victim so severely injured that fellow travellers had to perform emergency CPR to revive him.
The Confrontation That Sparked Violence
Philip Andrew Ortiz, a 38-year-old partner at the Firm Law Group in Miami Lakes, was aboard the Norwegian Encore around 2pm last Saturday when the incident unfolded. According to arrest documents obtained by authorities, the attorney attempted to access a restricted hallway that hadn't yet been opened to passengers.
When a 67-year-old fellow passenger witnessed this and instructed Ortiz not to proceed, the situation rapidly escalated. "Who the f**k are you to tell me what I can and can't do?" Ortiz allegedly retorted before physically pushing the older man.
The confrontation intensified when the victim attempted to push Ortiz away, prompting a woman identified as Ortiz's wife to intervene by pushing the elderly man. When he pushed back in response, deputies reported that Ortiz became "enraged" and launched another attack.
Escalation and Serious Injuries
As Ortiz made another attempt to enter the blocked hallway, the elderly passenger tried to prevent access by pushing the door closed. This action reportedly further infuriated the attorney, who deputies say charged at the victim, resulting in another physical altercation.
During this second confrontation, Ortiz allegedly tripped the man, causing him to fall headfirst with the lawyer's full body weight landing on top of him. The impact rendered the victim unconscious, with witnesses unable to initially detect a pulse.
According to law enforcement reports, Ortiz then left the injured man lying on the floor without attempting to provide assistance. Other passengers stepped in to administer CPR while awaiting medical help.
Legal Proceedings and Defence Arguments
When deputies located Ortiz, they claim he refused to sign a Miranda rights acknowledgement form or speak with investigators. Authorities allege he even attempted to return to where the victim lay to continue the confrontation.
The injured man was successfully revived and transported to University of Miami Hospital for treatment, where he provided authorities with his account of events. Surveillance footage corroborated his version of the incident.
Ortiz initially faced charges of aggravated battery on a person aged 65 or older, but Judge Mary Glazer downgraded the charge to standard battery during a Monday probable cause hearing. The judge noted the absence of evidence showing permanent injuries to the victim.
Stephen Lopez, Ortiz's defence attorney, is preparing a self-defence argument, claiming the "so-called elderly person is bigger [and] stronger than my client" and had been drinking before the ship departed. Lopez also asserted that Norwegian Cruise Line failed in its duty to protect Ortiz and his family as "VIP guests."
A cruise company spokesperson responded that they maintain "zero tolerance for violence of any kind on our ships" and remain committed to passenger safety.
Ortiz, seen wearing an anti-suicide vest during Monday's hearing, has been licensed by the Florida Bar since 2012 and maintains good standing with the organisation. The court has ordered him to avoid any contact with the victim as the FBI continues its investigation into the cruise ship incident.
