A man faces serious charges after allegations of an aggressive confrontation during a lobster diving event in Florida. Michael Joseph Simpson, 51, surrendered at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in Miami-Dade County. He faces an attempted murder charge following an incident that occurred during the annual lobster mini season. Authorities set his bond at $10,000.

The incident, reported by Local 10 News, took place at approximately 7 a.m. on July 29, around a half-mile east of Fisher Island. According to the arrest affidavit, Simpson approached another boat at high speed, circling it before anchoring nearby.

Accusations arose when Simpson allegedly confronted a group diving at what he claimed was ‘his spot.’ He warned that a larger boat would soon join, and anchored close to them. Authorities accused Simpson of threatening to shut off the air supply of an 18-year-old diver collecting lobsters. Investigators allege he jumped into the water, intentionally disabling the air system.

Witnesses reportedly shouted warnings as the diver struggled for air but fortunately emerged unharmed, though disoriented. After the incident, Simpson left the scene before deputies arrived, according to reports. However, he voluntarily turned himself in once identified as the suspect.

Simpson’s attorney, Howard Srebnick, strongly denied these allegations. In a statement, Srebnick claimed that investigators overlooked evidence and witnesses supporting Simpson’s account. He stated that Simpson was with friends and family on his own boat and never disabled any diving equipment.

Footage purportedly shows an accuser entangled in the air system while Simpson remained distant. Srebnick also refuted allegations that Simpson fled, arguing instead that his client idled away to diffuse tension.

Numerous eyewitnesses reportedly corroborate Simpson’s version of events. Srebnick criticized the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office for making the arrest without consulting all witnesses. He expressed optimism that after thorough review, charges will be dismissed, and Simpson’s reputation restored.

Fox News attempted to contact the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office for further comment, but no additional information was available at the time.

Stepheny Price, a correspondent at Fox News, specializes in covering West Coast and Midwest news, focusing on crime stories, missing persons, and border security.