A Florida based attorney is facing criminal charges for assault relating to an incident on a recent cruise. Phillip Ortiz, 38, was a passenger aboard the Norwegian Encore last week and is accused of attacking another guest.
He is facing charges after an argument turned physical. According to Miami-Dade County court documents, Ortiz faces battery charges on a person 65 or older. The affidavit states the two men “were involved in a verbal dispute that turned into a physical fight.”
Argument allegedly turned physical
It said Ortiz tried to enter a hallway that was at the time closed to passengers. The victim, 67, allegedly told Ortiz he couldn’t enter. The attorney then pushed the man. He also stated to police that Ortiz’ female companion also pushed him.
The man claims he then pushed the woman back, leading to the defendant “attacking him again.” He then fell over and lost consciousness, documents state.
Other guests gave CPR assistance and ship security and medical personnel were called. The affidavit says the victim’s testimony is backed by other witnesses’ written and verbal statements and CCTV footage.
Ortiz’s attorney, Stephan Lopez, filed a not guilty plea. His client is claiming self defense. “The so-called elderly person is bigger [and] stronger than my client,” Lopez said in a statement.
The victim “was already drunk prior to the ship departing and he instigated and initiated the aggression amongst other things, assaulting my client’s wife.”
“The judge correctly made a finding there was no aggravated felony and there is a self defense claim. My client is a VIP guest and Norwegian had a duty to protect him and his family, but it didn’t,” he added.
Norwegian Cruise Line confirmed the incident took place.
“Mr. Ortiz was arrested by the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office after assaulting a 67-year old male guest who was later transported to a shoreside hospital for further treatment. We have zero-tolerance for violence of any kind on our ships,” a cruise line statement said.
