A battle over a lobster diving spot off the\u00a0Florida\u00a0coast allegedly escalated into an underwater nightmare after a man was accused of shutting off another diver\u2019s air supply, a confrontation that landed him behind bars on an attempted murder charge.<\/p>\n
Michael Joseph Simpson, 51, surrendered Tuesday to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in\u00a0Miami-Dade County, where he was booked Tuesday evening on an attempted murder charge, according to Miami-Dade jail records. His bond was set at $10,000.<\/p>\n
According to Local 10 News<\/a>, the incident occurred shortly after 7 a.m. on July 29 about a half-mile east of Fisher Island during Florida\u2019s annual lobster mini season.<\/p>\n Citing the arrest affidavit,\u00a0Law&Crime reported<\/a>\u00a0that Simpson allegedly approached another boat at a high rate of speed and circled the vessel several times before anchoring about 10 feet away.<\/p>\n Investigators say the confrontation began after Simpson claimed the group was diving in \u201chis spot\u201d and warned that a larger boat was on its way before it arrived and anchored nearby.<\/p>\n Michael Joseph Simpson was charged with attempted murder for allegedly shutting off another diver\u2019s air supply. WPLG Local 10\/YouTube<\/p>\n Hunter Coffer was diving in the water when his oxygen supply was cut off. WPLG Local 10\/YouTube<\/p>\n Authorities allege Simpson then threatened to turn off the surface-supplied air system providing oxygen to an 18-year-old diver searching for lobsters.<\/p>\n Investigators say Simpson\u00a0jumped into the water\u00a0and intentionally shut off the unit.<\/p>\n As the confrontation unfolded, witnesses yelled, \u201cWe have a diver down there you a\u2013hole!\u201d according to the arrest affidavit cited by Law&Crime.<\/p>\n The diver\u2019s boat owner jumped into the water and pulled him to the surface.<\/p>\n The diver was\u00a0gasping for air\u00a0and appeared disoriented but was not injured, Local 10 reported.<\/a><\/p>\n Investigators allege Simpson left before deputies arrived.<\/p>\n After authorities identified him as the suspect, Simpson voluntarily surrendered Tuesday, according to Local 10.<\/p>\n