Florida man accused of cutting off divers air supply in fight over coveted lobster diving spot
A battle over a lobster diving spot off the Florida coast allegedly escalated into an underwater nightmare after a man was accused of shutting off another diver’s air supply, a confrontation that landed him behind bars on an attempted murder charge.Michael Joseph Simpson, 51, surrendered Tuesday to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in Miami-Dade County, where he was booked Tuesday evening on an attempted murder charge, according to Miami-Dade jail records.His bond was set at $10,000.According to Local 10 News, the incident occurred shortly after 7 a.m.
on July 29 about a half-mile east of Fisher Island during Florida’s annual lobster mini season.Citing the arrest affidavit, Law&Crime reported that Simpson allegedly approached another boat at a high rate of speed and circled the vessel several times before anchoring about 10 feet away.Investigators say the confrontation began after Simpson claimed the group was diving in “his spot” and warned that a larger boat was on its way before it arrived and anchored nearby.Authorities allege Simpson then threatened to turn off the surface-supplied air system providing oxygen to an 18-year-old diver searching for lobsters.Investigators say Simpson jumped into the water and intentionally shut off the unit.As the confrontation unfolded, witnesses yelled, “We have a diver down there you a–hole!” according to the arrest affidavit cited by Law&Crime.The diver’s boat owner jumped into the water and pulled him to the surface.The diver was gasping for air and appeared disoriented but was not injured, Local 10 reported.Investigators allege Simpson left before deputies arrived.After authorities identified him as the suspect, Simpson voluntarily surrendered Tuesday, according to Local 10.Simpson’s attorney, Howard Srebnick, strongly denied the allegations in a statement to Fox News Digital, arguing investigators ignored evidence and witnesses he says support his client’s account.Srebnic...