The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
A Florida man was arrested after investigators accused him of attempting to kill a diver by shutting off an underwater air supply during a dispute at a popular lobster diving location.
According to the authorities, the incident happened early in the morning while multiple boats were anchored in the area. Investigators alleged that an argument began after the suspect claimed another group had taken a spot he believed belonged to him. The owner of the other vessel reportedly disputed that claim, telling the authorities his boat had anchored before the suspect arrived.
As tensions escalated, the suspect allegedly warned that another, larger boat was on its way. Investigators said a second vessel later arrived and positioned itself across from the other boat.
The confrontation reportedly became more serious when the suspect entered the water and allegedly shut off a Brownie’s Third Lung air supply system being used by a diver searching for lobsters below the surface. Witnesses reportedly shouted that a diver was still underwater as the equipment lost power.
According to investigators, another person immediately entered the water to assist. When the diver resurfaced, he was reportedly tangled in an air hose and anchor line, struggling to breathe and appearing disoriented. Although the diver was not physically injured, the authorities alleged the interruption of the air supply created a life-threatening situation.
Investigators said the suspect left the area before deputies arrived. During the investigation, the authorities reportedly collected cellphone photos and video that allegedly showed him swimming away from the air supply system shortly after it was shut off. Several witnesses also identified him during a photo lineup.
The suspect later turned himself in at a correctional facility and was arrested on an attempted murder charge. Court records showed his bond was set at $10,000. Investigators also reported that he declined to provide a statement after surrendering.
The man’s attorney denied the allegations, maintaining that his client never interfered with the diver’s equipment and argued that additional video evidence and witness interviews would ultimately clear him.
If you or someone you love is suspected of an assault or battery offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.