(This version updates with statement from suspect’s family.)
A Florida man is facing attempted murder charges after he intentionally cut of a diver’s air supply while the victim was under water during lobster mini-season, police said.
The victim was with a group of people on board an anchored boat in Biscayne Bay, off Miami, preparing to dive for lobster July 29 about 5:30 a.m. As they were preparing to dive, Michael Joseph Simpson, 51, arrived in the area on another vessel that approached at a high rate of speed and began circling the victim’s boat, according to a police report.
A verbal dispute ensued with the occupants on Simpson’s vessel claiming the victim’s boat was “in their spot.” Simpson allegedly yelled he would turn off the victim’s access to air, “if I wanted to,” the police report stated.
He then swam over to the device supplying the air and turned it off. Occupants on the victim’s boat provided authorities with video evidence.
What happened when diver’s air supply was intentionally turned off?
The captain of the victim’s boat jumped in the water and pulled him to safety.
The diver was tangled in a hose and anchor line. He also was “gasping for air, appeared disoriented and did not understand what had occurred,” according to the police report.
Simpson fled the scene. He turned himself into police Aug, 4 and is facing an attempted felony murder charge. A bond hearing was scheduled for Aug. 5.
Man accused of turning off diver’s air supply didn’t do it, family says
Simpson’s family released a statement stating he “never came into contact with, or interfered with, anyone’s diving equipment,” according to CBS Miami.
It went on to say he was out that morning with friends and his two young children to take part in the state’s two-day lobster recreational lobster mini season. He was described as responsible boater.
“Mike Simpson has devoted his life to boating safety,” the statement said. “He looks forward to presenting the full facts in court, clearing his name, and restoring the reputation he has spent a lifetime building.”
A message seeking comment was left for Simpson’s attorney by USA TODAY NETWORK.
Michelle Spitzer is a journalist for The USA TODAY NETWORK-FLORIDA. As the network’s Rapid Response reporter, she covers Florida’s breaking news. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://floridatoday.com/newsletters.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Police: Florida man shut off diver’s air supply during lobster mini-season
Reporting by Michelle Spitzer, USA TODAY NETWORK / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Michelle Spitzer, USA TODAY NETWORK | USA TODAY Network
