A Miami-area attorney has been charged with aggravated battery after an incident aboard a Norwegian Cruise Line ship left a 67-year-old passenger unconscious, according to an arrest report and statements from authorities, as reported by The New York Post.

Phillip Ortiz, 38, of Miami Lakes, was taken into custody Saturday following the confrontation on the Norwegian Encore.

Melbourne, VIC, Australia – Nov 6th, 2022 – The Coral Princess cruise ship arriving in Melbourne.

The altercation began when the 67-year-old passenger told Ortiz he could not enter a hallway that was temporarily restricted to other guests, according to the arrest report obtained by NBC Miami.

Trump's Sovereign Wealth Fund: What Could It Mean For Your Money?

MORE NEWS: Will Zohran Mamdani Redistribute Wealth to Politicians? Bill Set to Hit His Desk Once in Office

Ortiz allegedly responded, “Who the f**k are you to tell me what I can and can’t do,” and then pushed the man. Police said the victim pushed back at Ortiz and his wife, prompting a physical struggle.

During the scuffle, Ortiz allegedly tripped the man, causing him to fall and strike his head as Ortiz came down on top of him. Witnesses told authorities the passenger lost consciousness and did not have a pulse immediately after the fall.

This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year

Are you glad President Trump is building the new WH ballroom?

By completing the poll, you agree to receive emails from DrewBerquist.com and that you've read and agree to our privacy policy and legal statement.

Bystanders began performing CPR until cruise medical personnel and security staff arrived. The victim eventually regained consciousness and was transported to the University of Miami Hospital for treatment.

Investigators said security video from the ship corroborated the accounts provided by the victim and witnesses. Ortiz was arrested upon the ship’s return and charged with aggravated battery on a person 65 or older.

The Crown Princess was docked on the island of Corsica in the Mediterranean Sea. Note how the sides of modern cruise ships have nonstop balconies. Private verandas have become one of the most requested stateroom features. Crown Princess 1

Ortiz appeared in court on Sunday and pleaded not guilty. His attorney, Stephan Lopez, told People magazine that the victim had been intoxicated and allegedly initiated the conflict.

Lopez said the passenger was “bigger [and] stronger than my client” and claimed the man had been drunk before the ship departed.

MORE NEWS: Disoriented Actress Tara Reid Removed on Stretcher After Alleged Drink Tampering Incident [WATCH]

Lopez also stated the passenger “instigated and initiated the aggression,” including allegedly blocking Ortiz and his wife from reaching their children, ages 6 and 14, by closing a door without authority.

Ortiz was released on bond on Monday and ordered to have no contact with the victim. Authorities have not released the current condition of the 67-year-old passenger.

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of DrewBerquist.com. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.