A woman remains in critical condition after being rescued unconscious from the waters of the Miami River on Tuesday morning. A man has been arrested, charged with attempted murder.
The incident occurred around 10:50 a.m. (local time) near the 100 block of Southwest North River Drive, west of downtown Miami, according to local news citing police sources.
According to preliminary reports, the woman was seen floating unconscious in the river, prompting an immediate response from firefighters and police officers.
Videos shared on social media - including one posted by the account Only in Dade- show the tense moments of the rescue, as a uniformed officer jumped into the water to assist the victim while rescuers deployed boats and diving equipment.
“When we arrived at the scene, bystanders informed us that someone had pushed a woman into the river and that she hadn’t surfaced”, explained Lieutenant Pete Sánchez of the Miami Fire and Rescue Department, as reported by Local 10 News.
"Within minutes, our divers pulled her out from under the water,” he added.
Health status and medical care
The woman, whose identity and age have not been disclosed, was urgently transferred to the Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital.
According to police spokesperson Mike Vega, the victim was found without vital signs at the time of the rescue, but paramedics initiated resuscitation efforts on-site and were able to stabilize her before transport.
Until the close of Tuesday, she was hospitalized in critical condition and may be connected to life support.
Initially, the police incorrectly reported that the woman had died, but they later corrected the information.
Arrest and charges
The Miami police confirmed the arrest of a man identified as William Bill Youmans Jr., 47 years old, accused of attempted second-degree murder, according to a report by Telemundo 51.
Witnesses indicated that the victim was sitting on the seawall when, following a heated argument, the man pushed her into the river.
Youmans' behavior after his arrest was described as erratic and aggressive.
According to the police report, the detainee exhibited episodes of shouting, smashed the walls, and even masturbated in the interrogation room.
The authorities indicated that both were previously acquainted, although they have not disclosed the nature of their relationship.
The area where the incident occurred remained closed for hours while investigators collected evidence.
Several residents have expressed concern about what has happened.
The police continue to treat Youmans as the primary suspect in an ongoing investigation. So far, no additional charges have been confirmed.
Frequently Asked Questions about the incident in the Miami River
What happened in the Miami river incident?
A woman was rescued unconscious from the Miami River and is in critical condition after being pushed into the water. Rescue teams acted quickly to pull her from the water and stabilize her before transferring her to the hospital.
Who is the suspect in the attempted murder at the Miami River?
The suspect has been identified as William Bill Youmans Jr., 47 years old, who was arrested and charged with attempted second-degree murder. Witnesses reported that he pushed the woman into the river after an argument.
What is the current condition of the victim after the rescue in the Miami River?
The woman is in critical condition and may be on life support at the Ryder Trauma Center of Jackson Memorial Hospital. Initially, her death was reported incorrectly, but this was later corrected.
What actions did the rescuers take in the Miami River incident?
The rescuers, including firefighters and police officers, acted quickly to pull the woman from the water. A uniformed officer jumped into the water to assist in the rescue, while the rescuers deployed boats and diving equipment.
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