Key Largo resident leaves child on beach, drinks, creates on‑site disturbance
Monroe County deputies apprehended Luis Fernando De Ra Ortiz, 50, in Key Largo on Tuesday after a disturbance at Gilbert’s Resort and Marina on Overseas Highway.
Authorities received a report around 3:30 p.m. that a drunk patron had left a 5‑year‑old child unattended in the resort’s beach area. When deputies arrived, Ortiz was reportedly agitated and had been refusing further alcoholic drinks after the resort declined to serve him.
Resort staff reported that Ortiz held a firearm, threatened employees, and at one point grabbed a worker. He also allegedly took the child onto a docked boat, raising concerns about child safety if he began operating the vessel.
When questioned, Ortiz admitted to being intoxicated and resisted arrest, refusing to comply with officers and attempting to remain in the patrol vehicle.
He faces multiple charges, including misdemeanor disorderly intoxication, assault, resisting an officer and battery, and a felony for child neglect without great bodily harm. Bond details have not yet been disclosed.
The latest update on the case is pending release from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.