- A woman named Beyonce Burruel is accused of holding Robyn Soden underwater during an attack at the Salt River.
- The incident occurred on May 24 at the Mud Cliffs area, a popular cliff diving spot.
- Soden reported visible injuries, including marks on her neck, after the assault ended when a scuba diver intervened.
MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA — Months after an Arizona dad died after getting trapped in an industrial mixer for five hours, another Arizona case is drawing attention. This time, a woman is accused of holding a swimmer underwater during a frightening attack at a popular cliff diving spot.
The incident happened on May 24 at the Mud Cliffs area along the Salt River in Tonto National Forest. The spot is known for cliff jumping and swimming, especially during busy holiday weekends.
Disagreement Near Climbing Rope
According to police, the confrontation started near a climbing rope used by visitors to jump from the cliffs into the river.
The victim, Robyn Soden, told local media she had been waiting in line when the situation turned hostile. She said her niece and nephew were with her at the time.
Soden said the attack became so scary that she thought she might die.
Victim Says She Was Held Underwater
Police said Soden told investigators that Beyonce Burruel grabbed her by the hair and held her underwater for about 30 seconds to one minute.
Soden said she managed to lift her head and scream for help, but Burruel allegedly pushed her head back underwater again.
She said her nephew almost watched her die.
Scuba Diver Steps In
The attack ended when a scuba diver stepped in and pulled Soden away from Burruel.
Soden later said she believed Burruel would not have stopped if the diver had not helped.
Police said Soden had visible injuries, including marks around her neck and a torn swimsuit.
Suspect Allegedly Fought Deputies
Deputies said Burruel became combative when they tried to speak with her.
According to police, it took four deputies to place her in handcuffs.
Burruel allegedly claimed Soden had insulted her and her sister near the climbing rope, leading to the confrontation.
Charges Filed
Burruel is now facing aggravated assault and impeding breathing charges.
The case remains active as authorities review what happened at the Salt River cliff diving area.
For Soden, the attack turned a holiday weekend swim into a moment she says she will never forget.
To view more cases involving dangerous water incidents, public attacks, and victims who survived terrifying moments, check out our video here:
