Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey announced that two Ohio residents, 29-year-old Gannon Jacox and his 28-year-old girlfriend Brooklyn Hicks, were arrested on Saturday for allegedly forcing their way into a cruise ship cabin to attack three people, including a 9-year-old child.
According to authorities, the incident began when a fellow passenger told Jacox and Hicks to “quiet down.” In response, Hicks reportedly decided to confront them. Jacox then instructed his girlfriend to “beat them up.”
The pair pushed their way into the cabin where the victims were staying, leading to a physical altercation in which Jacox struck all three individuals. Sheriff Ivey stated that Jacox suffered a “pretty gross injury to his eye,” which he attributed either to one of the victims or “friendly fire” from Hicks’s strikes.
Ivey noted that none of the victims sustained serious injuries but added: “Thankfully none of the victims were seriously injured in this ridiculous escapade!” The incident, Ivey said, was fueled by “alcohol combined with an apparent lack of common sense,” as the couple had been “apparently arguing loudly after taking advantage of some adult beverages” during their cruise trip.
Ivey emphasized: “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!” He also joked: “You know the deal folks, break the law in Brevard County, and I promise you the lodge will have a reservation with your name on it!”
Jacox was charged with burglary with battery and child abuse without great bodily harm. Hicks faced charges of burglary with battery and battery-touch/strike. Both were released on bonds—Jacox on $31,000 and Hicks on $6,000—with court appearances scheduled for September 15. Authorities did not name the specific cruise ship where the incident occurred.
