A family cruise reportedly turned into chaos after an Ohio couple allegedly forced their way into another family’s cabin and attacked the people inside — including a 9-year-old child — after being asked to quiet down.
The disturbing incident unfolded Saturday evening aboard a cruise ship docked at Port Canaveral, Florida, according to Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey.
Authorities identified the suspects as Brooklyn Hicks and her boyfriend, Gannon Jacox.
Sheriff Ivey said the couple had allegedly been drinking and “arguing loudly” when a nearby family asked them to keep the noise down.
That request apparently did not go over well.
According to Ivey, Hicks and Jacox allegedly decided to confront the family inside their stateroom.
Jacox reportedly walked over with his cellphone recording and could allegedly be heard encouraging Hicks to fight the family.
The situation then escalated even further.
“The suspects then pushed their way into the victims’ room, which included a 9-year-old child that was inside the room!” Ivey said.
Once inside, authorities say a fight broke out.
According to the sheriff, Jacox allegedly hit all three people inside the cabin, including the child, while Hicks was “just swinging, hoping one would land.”
Arrest documents later alleged that Jacox repeatedly struck the victims with closed fists, causing bruising and swelling.
He is also accused of striking the 9-year-old child in the face.
Hicks, meanwhile, allegedly struck one of the victims several times after Jacox told her to do so, according to her arrest affidavit.
Authorities said Jacox also suffered a nasty eye injury during the fight.
Ivey joked that the injury may have come either from one of the victims fighting back or from “friendly fire” as Hicks allegedly threw punches.
Despite the violent confrontation, fair officials said none of the victims suffered serious injuries.
Ivey claimed alcohol played a role in the incident, saying the couple had been “taking advantage of some adult beverages” before the fight began.
He then delivered a blunt warning.
“If you can’t hold your liquor, then you definitely shouldn’t be out in public causing a scene like this and injuring random people including a child!” Ivey said.
“And if that memo is not clear enough for you then you might want to stay your butt out of Brevard County!”
Both Hicks and Jacox were arrested Saturday night.
Jacox is facing a felony burglary charge involving assault or battery, felony child abuse and misdemeanor battery.
Hicks is charged with felony burglary involving assault or battery and misdemeanor battery.
According to Jacox’s arrest affidavit, investigators allege he forced his way through the cruise ship cabin door without permission and then repeatedly attacked the people inside.
The affidavit states that Jacox “did repeatedly strike all three victims with closed fists causing bruising and swelling” and also allegedly struck the child in the face.
Hicks’ affidavit accuses her of entering the cabin without permission while Jacox was allegedly attacking the family and then striking one of the victims herself.
Sheriff Ivey ended his post with a sarcastic send-off for the couple, saying he hoped they enjoyed their unexpected new accommodations.
He joked that their “extended stay” would include close sleeping quarters, communal showers, no drink package and, of course, no excursions.
The charges remain allegations, and Hicks and Jacox have not been convicted.
How dare some white crackas tell a brutha and a sista to act civilized!!!
Were the victims democrats????