MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — A South Florida man is facing an attempted felony murder charge after authorities accused him of shutting off a diver’s air supply during a confrontation in Biscayne Bay, according to our news partner CBS Miami.
Michael Joseph Simpson, 51, surrendered to authorities Tuesday and was booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office said. He later posted bond and was released from jail Wednesday night.
The incident reportedly happened July 29, during Florida’s two-day recreational lobster mini season, about a half-mile from Fisher Island.
According to an arrest report cited by CBS Miami, Simpson’s boat approached another anchored vessel at a high rate of speed. Deputies said minors were aboard that boat and at least one diver was underwater using a Brownie’s Third Lung air supply system.
Investigators allege Simpson anchored about 10 feet away, entered the water and intentionally turned off the diver’s air supply unit. Authorities said the action cut off the diver’s source of air and placed the diver’s life in immediate danger.
A video posted to Facebook captured portions of the confrontation and became key evidence in the investigation, according to deputies. Authorities said Simpson left the area before law enforcement arrived and was later identified through the video and witness statements.
Simpson’s family disputes the allegations, calling them “categorically false.”
In a statement provided to CBS Miami, the family said Simpson never touched or interfered with anyone’s diving equipment. The family contends that witnesses from two boats contradict the allegations and were not interviewed before charges were filed.
The statement also claims the video shows the complainant falling from his own boat and becoming tangled in a diving hose and anchor line while Simpson was not nearby.
“The evidence tells a very different story than the accusations,” the family said.
After leaving jail Wednesday, Simpson told reporters to “please allow both sides to come out.” His family said he plans to present evidence in court that will clear his name.
The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office has not publicly responded to the family’s specific claims, CBS Miami reported.
Simpson previously served as a volunteer member of Miami-Dade County’s temporary Boater Safety and Bay Education Task Force. The group completed its work and concluded in May, according to the county.
The investigation remains active, and authorities said additional arrests are possible.
This report includes information from our news partner CBS Miami.