A man pushed a woman into the Miami River. He’s charged with attempted murder

A man and a woman were seen arguing near a seawall in Downtown Miami. Things turned violent when the man pushed the woman into the Miami River.

William Bill Youmans, 47, was booked into jail Wednesday on attempted murder charges after police say he pushed the woman into the water.

Just before 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Miami Police and Fire Rescue were called to 114 SW North River Drive and 135 SW River Drive about a possible drowning.

READ MORE: Woman in critical condition after being pushed into Miami River. 1 detained, cops say

Police say witnesses kept an eye on Youmans until officers arrived and detained him.

Rescue efforts began immediately to save the victim, identified in arrest documents as Marie Luce Roseme.

Nearly 20 minutes after units were dispatched, Roseme was found by Miami Police Marine Patrol divers and taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital in critical condition.

Detectives interviewed multiple witnesses who had watched from across the Miami River. The witnesses and Youmans were taken to the Miami Police homicide office for questioning.

One witness, a boy, told police he was under a bridge on Southwest First Street, near the north side of Jose Marti Park, when he saw Roseme and Youmans yelling at each other and throwing objects.

According to the boy, Roseme then sat down by the seawall before Youmans came up behind her and pushed her into the water. The boy called 911.

Another witness told police she was familiar with Youmans, seeing him often during her daily trips to the park to exercise.

Police attempted to interview Youmans, but said his behavior was “violent and erratic.” He was screaming, punching walls, and even masturbating and ejaculating on the interview table.

Jail records show Youmans is being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center with bond status listed as “to be set.”

Roseme remains intubated and in critical condition.