Miami Lakes attorney accused of attacking elderly passenger on Norwegian Cruise Line ship

A shocking incident occurred on board a Norwegian Cruise Line ship, where a Florida lawyer, Phillip Ortiz, allegedly assaulted an elderly passenger, leaving him unconscious. The 38-year-old attorney reportedly became aggressive after the 67-year-old man informed him that he couldn’t access a restricted area on the ship. Ortiz responded with profanity and pushed the victim, sparking a physical altercation between them.

During the scuffle, Ortiz tripped the elderly passenger, causing him to fall and hit his head, rendering him unconscious. Witnesses on the cruise ship immediately sprang into action, performing CPR on the victim until he regained consciousness. He was then rushed to the University of Miami Hospital for further medical attention.

Security footage on the ship corroborated the victim’s account of the incident, leading to Ortiz’s arrest and subsequent charge of aggravated battery on a person over 65. Despite pleading not guilty, Ortiz’s attorney, Stephan Lopez, attempted to shift the blame onto the victim, claiming that he was intoxicated and had instigated the altercation by blocking Ortiz and his wife from reaching their children.

Ortiz was released on bond with the condition to stay away from the victim. The incident serves as a cautionary tale of the potential dangers that can arise in close quarters on a cruise ship. It also highlights the importance of maintaining composure and resolving conflicts peacefully, rather than resorting to violence.