DAVENPORT, FL – A family vacation at a Central Florida resort took a violent turn Sunday evening when a British tourist was arrested for allegedly trying to drown his daughter-in-law during a heated dispute over his will, according to authorities.

Deputies responded just after 5 p.m. to reports of a disturbance at a backyard pool in the Solterra Resort, located in Davenport, not far from major Orlando-area theme parks. When first responders arrived, they found 62-year-old Mark Raymond Gibbon of Beaconsfield, England, accused of pushing his 33-year-old daughter-in-law underwater multiple times while the rest of the family and neighbors watched in shock.

According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the argument began as the family gathered poolside and escalated quickly when the topic of Gibbon’s will came up. An arrest affidavit stated that the confrontation turned physical, with Gibbon allegedly holding the woman under the water repeatedly despite her attempts to escape.

The victim later told deputies she struggled to breathe during the altercation and began to fear for her life as Gibbon forced her beneath the surface. Despite fighting back, Gibbon continued to submerge her, according to deputies.

The woman’s 9-year-old daughter tried to intervene by jumping into the pool in an effort to protect her mother, but was allegedly shoved aside by Gibbon as the struggle continued. Realizing the severity of the situation, the victim called out to nearby neighbors, urging them to seek help.

Witnesses responded by calling 911. Authorities say Gibbon only ceased the assault after learning the sheriff’s office had been contacted. Deputies arrived minutes later and took Gibbon into custody at the scene.

Investigators say Gibbon later admitted to pushing his daughter-in-law underwater, though he maintained he never intended to kill her. He reportedly told deputies both were drinking at the time and that the altercation began after she slapped him during their discussion about the will.

The victim sustained minor injuries, including scratches, but did not require hospitalization.

Gibbon has been charged with attempted second-degree murder and battery and was being held in the Polk County Jail without bond as of Monday. His next court appearance is scheduled for September 9.

Back in Gibbon’s hometown of Beaconsfield, neighbors described shock and disbelief over the news. Local residents referred to Jasmine Wyld, the alleged victim, as Gibbon’s close companion, noting her frequent presence at his home.

Family members reported longstanding tensions, with past incidents further straining relationships. In a previous family dispute, Gibbon’s son Alex was sentenced to jail after crashing his Porsche into his father during a confrontation. The family has reportedly remained estranged in the years since.

Authorities have not released further details on the ongoing investigation. The case remains under review by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.