A dispute over a popular lobster diving spot off the coast of Florida has resulted in an attempted murder charge.
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Michael Joseph Simpson, 51, is accused of shutting off another diver's air supply during a confrontation on the water.
The incident escalated into a criminal investigation, with Simpson later surrendering to authorities.
Florida Man Arrested After Lobster Diving Dispute
Simpson turned himself in at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in Miami-Dade County.
Authorities booked him Tuesday evening on an attempted murder charge and set his bond at $10,000.
According to local reports, the alleged incident took place at around 7 a.m. on July 29, roughly half a mile east of Fisher Island during Florida's annual lobster mini season.
Investigators allege that Simpson approached another boat at high speed before circling it several times.
He then anchored about 10 feet away, claiming the group was diving in "his spot."
Simpson also told the group that a larger boat was on its way, and it later arrived and anchored nearby.
Authorities allege that Simpson threatened to shut off the surface-supplied air system providing oxygen to an 18-year-old diver searching for lobsters.
Investigators claim Simpson then entered the water and intentionally switched off the teenager's air supply.
The confrontation intensified as one witness shouted, "We have a diver down there you a-hole!"
Attorney Denies Attempted Murder Allegations
The owner of the other boat immediately entered the water and brought the 18-year-old diver safely back to the surface. Witnesses said the teenager appeared disoriented and was gasping for air.
Local reports state that the diver did not suffer any injuries.
Authorities allege that Simpson left the scene before officers arrived but later surrendered to law enforcement on Tuesday.
Simpson's attorney, Howard Srebnick, has strongly denied the allegations, arguing that investigators overlooked evidence and witnesses that support his client's version of events.
Srebnick said Simpson was diving from his own boat with friends and his two young children and "never disabled anyone's diving equipment."
"We are optimistic that the State Attorney's Office, after reviewing the video and interviewing all the eyewitnesses, will dismiss the charges, clear his name, and restore the reputation he has spent a lifetime building," he said.
Srebnick also disputed investigators' claim that Simpson fled, saying his client simply idled his boat away from the immediate area to prevent the confrontation from escalating.
He added that Simpson cooperated with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers and provided a statement.
The case remains under investigation, with additional developments expected as the legal proceedings continue.
