Florida Man Accused of Cutting Off Diver's Air Supply in Fight over Coveted Lobster Diving Spot
Authorities say video shows Simpson turning off the diver’s air supply during a lobster season dispute, leaving the victim gasping before he fled.
- On Tuesday, authorities arrested Michael Joseph Simpson, 51, of Miami Beach on attempted murder charges stemming from an incident in Biscayne Bay on July 29. Deputies accused Simpson of intentionally cutting off a diver's air supply during the recreational Lobster Sport Season.
- A verbal dispute erupted after Simpson's vessel approached another boat at a high rate of speed near Fisher Island. Occupants of both boats argued over the prime lobster diving spot, with Simpson's crew claiming the other boat was in their location.
- Witnesses reported Simpson swam to the Brownie Third Lung and shut it off, cutting the diver's air. The victim was tangled in an anchor line and hose before his boat captain pulled him to safety, gasping for air and disoriented.
- During a Wednesday court appearance, Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Mindy Glazer reduced Simpson's charge from attempted felony murder to second-degree attempted murder. The judge granted a $10,000 bond.
- Simpson's family released a statement asserting he "never came into contact with, or interfered with, anyone's diving equipment." The defense plans to present evidence in court to clear his name and restore his reputation as a responsible boater.
22 Articles
22 Articles
Florida man accused of cutting off diver's 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.
Florida man, 51, turned off rival diver’s oxygen because people were diving for lobsters in his spot, cops claim
A seemingly exciting day of diving for lobsters took a sinister turn when a Florida man named Michael Simpson allegedly disrupted another diver’s oxygen supply. Simpson carried out the act because he was reportedly upset over other people hunting lobsters in his spot, per Law&Crime. Simpson is now facing an attempted murder charge, per court...
Florida man accused of cutting off diver’s air supply in fight over coveted lobster diving spot
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.
Florida man accused of cutting off diver's air supply in fight over coveted lobster diving spot – Democratic Accent
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…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 42% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
