By admin 
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — A woman says she feared for her life after another woman held her underwater during a violent confrontation at the Salt River over Memorial Day weekend.
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Robyn Soden said the attack happened Sunday at the Mud Cliffs area, a popular spot for cliff jumping. She said she was patiently waiting her turn in line when the confrontation began.
“I was patiently waiting in line, you can see that, and they just decided they wanted to cause a problem, I think,” Soden said.
“For a moment, I didn’t think I would be here. I thought this could be it,” Soden said.
Video of the incident shows one of the women splashing Soden. Moments later, the woman yanks Soden into the water by her bikini top.
Victim says she screamed for help during attack
Once in the water, Soden said the woman grabbed her and repeatedly dunked her head underwater. The attack continued as Soden struggled to breathe.
“She shoves my head underwater. I fight enough to get my head up. I scream ‘help’ and she shoves my head back under again,” Soden said.
Soden said the attack lasted for what felt like nearly a minute. The assault only stopped when a scuba diver intervened and pulled her away from her attacker.
When asked if the woman would have continued without intervention, Soden said she had no doubt the attack would have escalated.
“Absolutely. Absolutely. There was no way she was going to stop, and I’m 99% sure her sister would have also joined in,” Soden said.
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Suspect now faces multiple charges
The woman has been identified as Beyoncé Burruel, who now faces multiple charges, including assault and impeding breathing.
According to sheriff’s deputies, Burruel began fighting with them after the incident in the water. Deputies said she kicked one of them to the ground. It took four deputies to put her in handcuffs.
Soden said she was left with dozens of scratches and scars from the attack. Her bikini was ripped during the confrontation.
The incident was especially traumatic because Soden’s nephew and niece were with her at the time.
“My nephew and niece were with me, and he almost watched his aunt die,” Soden said.
Suspect says confrontation happened in heat of the moment
Burruel said Soden was insulting her and her sister and that led to the confrontation. She said it was never her intention to drown her. She said the attack happened in the heat of the moment and she is sorry.
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