An Ohio couple faces multiple criminal charges after allegedly forcing their way into a family’s cruise ship cabin and assaulting three people, including a 9-year-old child, following a noise dispute at Port Canaveral.
According to the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, the incident took place aboard a cruise ship docked in Brevard County over the weekend. Authorities identified the suspects as Brooklyn Hicks and her boyfriend, Gannon Jacox, both of Ohio.
Investigators reported that the altercation began after a family in a nearby stateroom asked the couple to lower their voices during a loud argument.
Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey highlighted the case in a social media post, introducing it as “another edition of ‘The Chronicles of Cruising’ Brevard County style!!”
“Just to round out the weekend we’re bringing you another incident from one of our many cruise ships this weekend…and if isn’t the summer heat that’s getting to them, it’s definitely the alcohol!!” Ivey wrote. “Actually now that I think about things, it’s for sure the alcohol combined with an apparent lack of common sense!!”
According to Ivey, Jacox, and Hicks had been “arguing loudly after taking advantage of some adult beverages” before confronting the family.
“Hicks apparently didn’t like the request so she decided to go confront them,” Ivey said. “Jacox then decides it’s a great idea to walk over with his cell phone and start recording the incident as he tells Hicks to beat them up!! The suspects then pushed their way into the victim’s room, which included a 9-year-old child that was inside the room!!
Authorities stated that a physical fight followed once the pair entered the room.
“As a fight ensued Jacox ends up hitting all 3 people (including the child) and Hicks was just swinging, hoping one would land,” Ivey stated. “Jacox got a pretty gross injury to his eye, that was either caused by one of the victims or friendly fire from the Haymakers his girlfriend was throwing!! Well, regardless of how insane the entire incident was, thankfully none of the victims were seriously injured in this ridiculous escapade!!”
Court records support the sheriff’s account. An arrest affidavit states that Jacox forced his way through the cabin door and struck all three victims repeatedly with closed fists, causing bruising and swelling. The affidavit adds that “Gannon Jacox did commit the offense of child abuse in that he struck [the child] in the face.”
The affidavit for Hicks alleges that she walked in while Jacox was actively hitting the victims and struck one of the individuals several times after Jacox instructed her to do so.
“So what’s the moral of the story…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 suspects were booked into the local jail Saturday night. Jacox faces charges of burglary with battery, child abuse without great bodily harm, and misdemeanor battery. Hicks is charged with burglary with battery and misdemeanor battery.
“Well, at any rate, Jacox got a very expensive shore excursion to Ivey’s Iron Bar Lodge,” Ivey said of the arrests. “Hopefully they enjoy their extended stay at their unplanned destination with close-quarters sleeping arrangements, communal showers, no drink packages, and of course no excursions!! Of course, on a bright note, they will have sandals, but not like the Sandals Resorts, just the ones you wear in the shower!!
READ: Ohio Woman Fatally Shot; Two Men And Victim’s Daughter In Custody
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