A Florida man surrendered on an attempted murder charge after an alleged confrontation over a lobster diving location off Miami-Dade County. Investigators say Michael Joseph Simpson shut off a surface-supplied air system being used by an 18-year-old diver during the July 29 incident. The diver was pulled to the surface, appeared disoriented and was gasping for air, but was not injured. Simpson’s attorney denies the allegations and says video and witnesses support a different account.
The confrontation occurred during Florida’s annual lobster mini season, when several boats were reportedly operating in the waters near Fisher Island. Simpson was booked after voluntarily surrendering to authorities, while the case remains subject to further investigation and court proceedings.
| 1) | Alleged dispute over a lobster diving location |
| 2) | Underwater air supply confrontation |
| 3) | Diver rescued and authorities investigate |
| 4) | Suspect surrenders as attorney disputes account |
| 5) | Legal case and unresolved questions |
Alleged dispute over a lobster diving location
The incident was reported shortly after 7 a.m. on July 29, about a half-mile east of Fisher Island in Miami-Dade County. According to the arrest affidavit cited in reports, Simpson approached another boat at a high rate of speed, circled it several times and anchored approximately 10 feet away.
Investigators allege that Simpson said the group was diving in what he described as “his spot.” He also reportedly warned that a larger boat was approaching before it arrived and anchored nearby. The dispute unfolded during the state’s annual lobster mini season, which brought recreational divers into the area.
Underwater air supply confrontation
Authorities allege that Simpson threatened to turn off the surface-supplied air system supporting an 18-year-old diver who was searching for lobsters. Investigators say Simpson entered the water and intentionally shut off the equipment, creating the central allegation behind the attempted murder charge.
Witnesses reportedly shouted that a diver was below the surface. The equipment, identified in the defense response as a Brownie’s Third Lung air system, supplied air from the boat to the diver. The allegations have not been proven in court.
Diver rescued and authorities investigate
The owner of the diver’s boat entered the water and brought the diver back to the surface. According to reports, the diver was gasping for air and appeared disoriented after the encounter, but did not suffer physical injuries.
Investigators allege that Simpson left before deputies arrived. Authorities later identified him as the suspect and continued examining the accounts of people aboard the boats, along with available video and other evidence. The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office was contacted for additional comment, but no further response was included in the report.
Suspect surrenders as attorney disputes account
Michael Joseph Simpson, 51, voluntarily surrendered at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in Miami-Dade County on Tuesday. Jail records show he was booked that evening on an attempted murder charge, and his bond was set at $10,000.
His attorney, Howard Srebnick, strongly denied the allegations. Srebnick said Simpson was diving from his own boat with friends and his two young children and “never disabled anyone’s diving equipment.” He also claimed that video shows one accuser becoming entangled in the air system while Simpson was not nearby.
“We are optimistic that the State Attorney’s Office, after reviewing the video and interviewing all the eyewitnesses, will dismiss the charges,” Srebnick said.
Legal case and unresolved questions
The defense also disputes the claim that Simpson fled. Srebnick said his client moved his boat away from the immediate area to prevent the confrontation from escalating, then cooperated with responding Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers and provided a statement.
Srebnick further said witnesses on two separate boats support Simpson’s version and criticized investigators for making an arrest before interviewing people he considers favorable to the defense. The case now depends on the review of video, witness statements and the evidence presented by prosecutors. A charge is an allegation, and Simpson remains entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | The alleged confrontation occurred near Fisher Island during lobster mini season. |
| 2 | Investigators say an 18-year-old diver’s surface-supplied air was shut off. |
| 3 | The diver was rescued, was reportedly disoriented, and was not injured. |
| 4 | Simpson surrendered and was booked on an attempted murder charge with $10,000 bond. |
| 5 | His attorney denies the allegations and says video and witnesses support his account. |
Summary
The Miami-Dade case centers on an alleged dispute over a lobster diving location and the reported interruption of a diver’s air supply. Simpson has surrendered and faces an attempted murder charge, while his attorney maintains that the evidence will clear him. Investigators and prosecutors must now assess conflicting witness accounts, video and other evidence before the case proceeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charge does Michael Joseph Simpson face?
Simpson faces an attempted murder charge in Miami-Dade County. He surrendered to authorities and was booked with bond set at $10,000.
Where did the alleged confrontation occur?
The incident reportedly occurred about a half-mile east of Fisher Island off the Miami-Dade County coast during Florida’s annual lobster mini season.
Was the diver injured?
Reports say the diver was gasping for air and appeared disoriented after being brought to the surface, but was not injured.
What does the defense say?
Simpson’s attorney denies that he disabled the diver’s equipment and says video and witnesses support the defense account of the confrontation.