Charter Captain Arrested After Viral Boating Rage Incident

PUNTA GORDA, Fla. — A viral incident caught on camera has led to the arrest of 40-year-old Brock Horner, a charter boat captain, for unlawful boarding and assault in the waterways of Charlotte Harbor. Horner was charged on April 5, 2025, following a confrontation that occurred on April 1, around 7:30 p.m. near the Gilchrist Bridge.

The incident escalated dramatically when Horner jumped onto a small boat operated by 22-year-old Gage Towles, who was fishing alone at the time. The confrontation was recorded by a teenage witness and has since garnered over 15 million views on Facebook, sparking outrage and concern among viewers.

According to the Punta Gorda Police Department, the altercation began when Towles told Horner he had the wrong person and warned him not to come “flying through the bridge area.” Horner, who identified himself and his passengers as war veterans, responded aggressively, screaming, “You wanna f–ing go?” as he approached Towles' boat.

In the video, Towles can be seen trying to de-escalate the situation, repeatedly asking Horner to leave and expressing confusion over the confrontation. Horner, however, continued to berate Towles, demanding an apology and asserting his toughness. “Dude, all these f–ers know I’m a tough motherf—er,” he shouted, before suddenly jumping onto Towles' boat, which sent the young fisherman into panic mode.

“Chill bro, chill bro please!” Towles pleaded as he hit the throttle, attempting to speed away with Horner aboard. The situation was alarming enough that Towles considered jumping off his own boat to escape the confrontation.

Horner was arrested shortly after the incident and is currently being held at the Charlotte County Jail. He faces charges of burglary with assault or battery, non-forced entry. His attorney has since released a statement expressing Horner's remorse for his actions and praising Towles for his impressive composure during the encounter.

“He stood up when this country asked him to, and that service deserves to be respected,” the attorney noted, referring to Horner's status as a decorated combat veteran who was severely injured in Afghanistan and is recognized as 100% disabled by the Department of Veterans Affairs. However, the attorney emphasized that this background does not excuse Horner’s behavior.

Punta Gorda Police Chief Pam Smith addressed the incident in a press conference, stating that such behavior would not be tolerated on the waterways. “We are committed to ensuring the safety of our residents and visitors, both on land and on the water,” she said. The incident has also prompted investigations by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the United States Coast Guard, which may lead to additional state or federal charges.

The confrontation appears to have stemmed from an earlier incident that took place on March 30, when Towles reported that Horner had come dangerously close to his boat at a high rate of speed, prompting a heated exchange between the two. Witnesses from that earlier encounter indicated that Horner had been speeding and cutting under the bridge, leading to tensions in the area.

In the wake of the viral video, which has drawn significant attention online, Punta Gorda police have requested that the public refrain from reporting the incident any further. Chief Smith reiterated the department’s commitment to maintaining safe waterways and ensuring that such aggressive behavior is addressed swiftly.

As for Towles, the young fisherman has expressed his intention to take a break from fishing, a passion he has shared widely on social media. In a heartfelt post, he thanked his supporters and indicated that he would be stepping back from the sport for the time being. “Won't be fishing for a little bit,” he wrote, while also sharing a link to his YouTube channel for those interested in following his future adventures.

The incident has sparked discussions across social media platforms about boating safety and the responsibilities of captains on the water. Many have rallied around Towles, offering him encouragement and support in the face of this frightening experience.

As investigations continue, the boating community in Punta Gorda and beyond is left to grapple with the ramifications of this alarming event, which serves as a stark reminder of the need for respect and safety in shared recreational spaces. Horner, now facing serious legal consequences, will have to navigate the fallout from this incident, which has not only impacted his personal life but also his professional reputation.

The maker of the boat involved in the incident, Pathfinder, has issued a statement clarifying that they do not have any affiliation with Horner or his charter company, distancing themselves from the actions that have led to this controversy.

As the community watches closely, the outcome of the investigations and any potential further charges against Horner will likely shape the narrative surrounding this viral confrontation.