Cruise passenger is arrested by the FBI in Puerto Rico for breaking his girlfriend’s jaw

Cruise passenger is arrested by the FBI in Puerto Rico for breaking his girlfriend’s jaw in brutal attack after chasing her around the ship

  • Cruise passenger allegedly broke partner’s jaw & arm in brutal cruise ship attack
  • They were reportedly arguing over money when confrontation turned violent 
  • FBI say the victim was ‘pursued through various sections of the cruise ship’
  • George Smiley III has been arrested by the FBI in Puerto Rico on assault charges

A cruise passenger has been arrested by the FBI for allegedly breaking his partner’s jaw and arm in a vicious attack on board a cruise ship. 

The couple of seven months were on board Norwegian Cruise Lines vessel ‘Norwegian Breakaway’, bound for Puerto Rico when they began arguing over money on November 4. 

The FBI say they have arrested a man who has been identified as Jeff Smiley III, from Dallas, Texas, who will face up to five years behind bars if found guilty.  

The brutal attack took place on board Norwegian Cruise Lines vessel ‘Norwegian Breakaway’ (pictured) on November 4

An argument between the couple escalated into a confrontation in the ship’s casino. CCTV reportedly shows that the woman attempted to walk away from the situation and got into a nearby lift, while calling for security. 

However Smiley then allegedly followed her into the elevator and hit the woman in the face, knocking her glasses to the floor. 

She attempted to escape Smiley by exiting the lift, but he allegedly proceeded to throw the woman to the floor and strike her with his elbow. 

She once again tried to get away and he tackled her down a flight of stairs, striking her multiple times, and causing her serious injury. 

An FBI statement said the victim was ‘pursued through various sections of the cruise ship’ and she ‘suffered a fractured jaw and arm.’   

FBI agents boarded the vessel as it was approaching San Juan a day later. 

After collecting evidence and conducting interviews, FBI agents detained Smiley who was held overnight by Police of Puerto Rico upon arrival at the pier in Old San Juan.  

The Department of Justice (DOJ) arrested him on charges of ‘assaults within maritime and territorial jurisdiction’, and ‘assault resulting in a substantial bodily injury to a spouse or intimate partner.’  

Smiley was refused bail by a federal court judge in San Juan, citing as reasons the ‘strong’ evidence against him and his previous history of ‘alcohol or substance abuse.’   

If found guilty, he faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. 

Citizens with information are asked to contact the FBI San Juan Field Office on (001) 787 754 6000.

 

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk