On Tuesday this week, Michael Simpson, 51, was arrested by Miami police and charged with second degree attempted murder. He was brought before a judge to hear the chage and then released on a $10,000 bond.
Authorities allege that at 530 am on July 29 two men were anchored in a well known lobstering spot when Simpson arrived in his own boat. An argument ensured between the original boat owner and Simpson, who accused the man and his friend of lobstering in “Simpson’s spot.”
While this was going on, one of the two men was in the water diving for lobster and breathing through a hookah-style hose powered by an air pump floating on the surface.
According to the victim and authorities, Simpson jumped into the water and switched of the air pump while the diver was deep under water. His partner quickly was able to pull him to the surface with the air whose and saved him from drowning.
By this time a third boat had arrived with two onboard who were Simpson’s associates. These two men initially asserted that Simpson was just diving and did not interfere with the breathing device.
Yet, after the police interviewed all parties, charges were brought. During the first hearing, Simpson’s lawyer convinced the judge to reduce the charge from felony attempted murder to second degree attempted murder.
