Introduction
A family of four is now facing battery charges after a heated parking dispute at the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel in Universal Orlando Resort. The altercation, which began over parking tickets, escalated into a physical confrontation that police say left the hotel employee injured. The incident occurred on Monday, Jan. 19 and has drawn court action against three of the four family members.
At a Glance
- Universal Orlando Resort hotel staff reports a violent parking dispute involving a family of four.
- Police say the incident escalated into a physical fight, with the employee claiming she was punched and her iPad was smashed.
- Three family members-Amanda Brito (45), Laura Alonso Silva (23) and Humberto Dorto (18)-are charged with one count of battery in the first degree; the daughter, Olivia Nicole Brito (16), is not charged.
- Why it matters: The case highlights the potential for small disputes in crowded resort settings to spiral into serious violence, prompting questions about security and employee protection.
The Incident
The confrontation took place at the restaurant Bice Ristorante within the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel. According to an arrest affidavit obtained by News Of Los Angeles, the Orlando Police Department responded around 9:45 p.m. local time on Monday, Jan. 19. The hotel employee who was working at the restaurant claimed she was attacked by the family while they attempted to validate their parking tickets.
Family Members Involved
- Amanda Brito – 45, mother of the child.
- Laura Alonso Silva – 23, wife of Humberto.
- Humberto Dorto – 18, husband of Laura.
- Olivia Nicole Brito – 16, daughter of Amanda.
The employee reported that she had validated two tickets but refused to validate the other two. She said the family tried to bypass staff and that one of the women began yelling and smacking her iPad.
Police Account
Police describe the employee’s supervisor as having witnessed the family attempting to validate their tickets repeatedly. He stated that the family “hit” the employee and that the situation turned physical. The employee claims:
- Amanda Brito “hit [the employee] in the face and pulled her hair.”
- All four subjects then “began to punch and kick her all at the same time.”
- The employee was punched in the stomach and legs and “ended up on the ground fighting with all four individuals until the fight was broken up by hotel staff.”
The supervisor added that he had seen the family “hit” the employee and had tried to break up the fight unsuccessfully. The employee also said she was punched in the stomach and legs and “ended up on the ground fighting with all four individuals until the fight was broken up by hotel staff.”
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Monday, Jan. 19 | Police respond to Loews Portofino Bay Hotel |
| 9:45 p.m. | Hotel employee reports attack |
| 9:50 p.m. | Police interview employee and family |
Court Records
According to Orange County Court records, Laura Alonso Silva, Amanda Brito and Humberto Dorto are currently facing one count of battery in the first degree. The court documents do not indicate any current charges against Olivia Nicole Brito. The charges were filed following the police affidavit and the employee’s statement.
Charges
- Laura Alonso Silva – 23, one count of battery in the first degree.
- Amanda Brito – 45, one count of battery in the first degree.
- Humberto Dorto – 18, one count of battery in the first degree.
- Olivia Nicole Brito – 16, no charges.
Family Statements
The family’s responses to the incident differ from the hotel employee’s account. Amanda Brito told police she was attempting to validate her parking but the employee refused. She claimed the employee called her “ugly” before the staff member “proceeded to hit her.” Brito said she acted in “self-defense” and that the fight began on the ground.
Olivia Nicole Brito, the daughter, agreed that the employee called her mother “ugly.” She added that she tried to calm her mother by putting her hands on the employee’s chest.
Humberto Dorto said he was in the restaurant during the altercation and that he only witnessed the incident.
Next Steps
The employee has expressed a desire to press charges, and the Orlando Police Department is continuing its investigation. The Universal Orlando Resort has not yet responded to a request from News Of Los Angeles for comment. The Orlando Police Department also did not offer a statement after News Of Los Angeles‘s request.
The court will determine whether the three charged family members will be held in custody pending trial or released on bail. The case also raises questions about hotel security protocols and employee training in handling disputes.
Key Takeaways
- A parking dispute at a Universal Orlando Resort hotel escalated into a physical fight involving four people.
- Three family members are charged with one count of battery in the first degree; the daughter is not charged.
- The hotel employee claims she was physically attacked, while the family asserts they were defending themselves.
- The incident highlights the need for clear security measures in crowded resort environments.
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Meta Description
A family of four is charged with battery after a heated parking dispute at Universal Orlando’s Loews Portofino Bay Hotel. Police say the altercation turned violent, leaving an employee injured.
