A confrontation aboard the Norwegian Encore cruise ship led to a 67-year-old man being knocked unconscious and a fellow passenger arrested, according to an arrest affidavit reviewed by investigators. The incident occurred around 2 p.m. on Saturday as the ship was preparing for departure.
Authorities identified the suspect as 38-year-old Phillip Andrew Ortiz. According to the victim’s account, the dispute began when Ortiz attempted to enter a hallway that had not yet been opened to passengers. The older man reportedly told Ortiz he was not allowed to enter the restricted area, triggering a verbal argument that quickly escalated.
The affidavit states that Ortiz allegedly responded angrily before pushing the victim. The 67-year-old man told police that he tried to push Ortiz away, and that Ortiz’s companion also shoved him during the confrontation. When the victim pushed back, investigators say Ortiz became more aggressive and forced his way into the secured hallway.
The victim said he attempted to close the door to prevent Ortiz from returning, but Ortiz forced the door open and charged toward him. A physical struggle reportedly followed, during which the victim fell and lost consciousness. The affidavit notes that security footage confirmed the sequence of events described by the victim.
Ortiz allegedly left the scene immediately after the fall while other passengers stepped in to help. The victim received CPR from people nearby until he regained consciousness and was later transported to a hospital for medical evaluation.
Authorities later located Ortiz, took him into custody, and attempted to question him. According to the affidavit, Ortiz refused to sign a Miranda rights form and declined to speak with detectives. He was booked at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in Miami.
Ortiz was initially charged with aggravated battery on a person aged 65 or older. However, during a probable cause hearing, Eleventh Judicial Circuit Judge Mindy Glazer questioned whether the felony charge was appropriate. She noted there were no signs of lasting or permanent injury based on the early medical information and ruled that the circumstances did not meet the threshold for aggravated battery.
Ortiz’s attorney, Stephan Lopez, argued that his client acted in self-defense and claimed the victim was not as vulnerable as the arrest affidavit suggested. Lopez said the older man had been drinking and asserted that he was the one who began the confrontation. The lawyer also claimed the victim obstructed access to Ortiz’s wife and two children by closing a door behind them.
Lopez suggested that Norwegian Cruise Line may face scrutiny as well, stating that the company had a responsibility to protect Ortiz and his family. The cruise line has not yet commented publicly on the matter.
The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office is continuing to review evidence, including security footage and witness statements, as the case moves forward. Additional updates will depend on the results of the ongoing investigation and any further legal proceedings.
