A South Florida man is facing charges after deputies say he turned off a young diver’s oxygen tank during an argument on the water near Fisher Island. The incident happened July 29 during Florida’s annual lobster mini season, when tensions escalated between two boats over diving spots.

Incident Details

According to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, 51-year-old Michael Simpson threatened to shut off an 18-year-old diver’s air supply while the teen was underwater. Witnesses told investigators they saw Simpson swim over to the diver and turn off the tank. The owner of the boat quickly jumped into the water to help the diver, who was reportedly gasping for air and appeared disoriented.

Simpson was later arrested in connection with the incident. However, Simpson’s attorneys dispute the accusations, saying other witnesses told investigators that Simpson never touched the diver’s tank. Simpson has since been released on bail and said he is confident he will clear his name as the case moves through the court system.

Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.