A woman is in critical condition after being pulled unconscious from the Miami River on Tuesday morning. A man has been taken into custody, facing charges of 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, as reported by local media citing police sources.
Initial reports indicate the woman was found floating unconscious in the river, prompting a swift response from firefighters and police officers. Social media videos, including footage shared by the Only in Dade account, captured the intense moments of the rescue operation. A uniformed officer jumped into the water to help the victim, while rescuers deployed boats and diving equipment.
"When we arrived on the scene, bystanders informed us that someone had pushed a woman into the river and she hadn't resurfaced," explained Lieutenant Pete Sánchez of the Miami Fire-Rescue Department, as reported by Local 10 News. "In a matter of minutes, our divers retrieved her from beneath the water," he added.
Victim's Condition and Medical Response
The woman's identity and age have not been disclosed. She was urgently transported to the Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital. Police spokesman Mike Vega stated that the victim was found without vital signs at the time of the rescue. Paramedics initiated CPR on-site and managed to stabilize her before transport.
As of Tuesday evening, she remains hospitalized in critical condition and may be on life support. Initially, the police mistakenly reported her death, but later corrected the information.
Arrest and Charges
The Miami police confirmed the arrest of a man identified as William Bill Youmans Jr., 47, on charges of second-degree attempted murder, according to Telemundo 51. Witnesses reported that the victim was sitting on the riverbank when, following a heated argument, the man pushed her into the water.
Youmans' behavior after his arrest was described as erratic and aggressive. According to the police report, he exhibited episodes of shouting, struck the walls, and even engaged in inappropriate conduct in the interrogation room.
Authorities revealed that the two individuals knew each other previously, but have not disclosed the nature of their relationship. The area where the incident took place remained closed for several hours as investigators gathered evidence. Several residents have expressed concern over the incident. The police continue to treat Youmans as the primary suspect in an ongoing investigation. To date, no additional charges have been confirmed.
Key Questions about the Miami River Incident
What happened to the woman in the Miami River incident?
She was found unconscious in the Miami River and is currently in critical condition at the Ryder Trauma Center.
Who is the suspect in the Miami River incident?
William Bill Youmans Jr., 47, has been arrested and charged with second-degree attempted murder.
How did the authorities respond to the Miami River incident?
Police and firefighters quickly responded, with divers retrieving the woman from the water and paramedics providing immediate medical care.