A man accused of tampering with another diver’s air supply during a conflict over a lobster diving spot in Florida has been charged with attempted murder. Michael Joseph Simpson, 51, surrendered to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in Miami-Dade County, facing a $10,000 bond.
Incident Overview
The confrontation occurred on July 29, around 7 a.m., about a half-mile east of Fisher Island during Florida’s annual lobster mini-season. Reports indicate Simpson approached another boat at a high speed, circled it several times, before anchoring nearby.
“We have a diver down there you a–hole!” witnesses reportedly yelled.
Simpson allegedly threatened and then turned off the surface-supplied air system to an 18-year-old diver. This action led the diver’s boat owner to pull him to safety. Despite appearing disoriented, the diver was unharmed.
Legal Proceedings
Authorities identified Simpson as a suspect, and he surrendered voluntarily. However, his attorney, Howard Srebnick, contests the charges, claiming evidence and witnesses support Simpson’s account. Srebnick insists Simpson did not disable any equipment and cooperated with authorities.
Srebnick asserts eyewitnesses corroborate Simpson’s side, arguing the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office arrested him without interviewing these witnesses. He anticipates that the State Attorney’s Office will review the evidence, potentially leading to a dismissal of charges.
Fox News Digital reached out to Miami-Dade officials for further comments.
Stepheny Price, a writer for Fox News, focuses on crime stories, border security, and news from the West Coast and Midwest.
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