A tense encounter on Charlotte Harbor has led to the arrest of Brock Horner, a 40-year-old Punta Gorda charter boat captain, following a confrontation with 22-year-old fisherman Gage Towles. The incident, which took place on Tuesday, April 1, was recorded and posted online, igniting widespread backlash and prompting swift legal action.
The clash occurred beneath the Barron Collier Bridge when Horner, owner of Tarpon Coast Fishing Charters, approached Towles’ boat, alleging that Towles had failed to use safety lights earlier that day. In the video, Horner is seen yelling profanities and boasting, “I’m the best charter captain you’ll ever meet,” before climbing aboard Towles’ vessel uninvited. Towles, clearly rattled, apologized repeatedly and maintained that his lights were operational, suggesting Horner may have confused him with another boater. Despite Towles’ efforts to calm the situation, Horner persisted with his aggressive outburst and even grabbed Towles by the shirt.
Uploaded to YouTube by Towles, the video—initially removed but later reposted—has racked up over 8 million views, drawing sharp criticism from viewers and local authorities alike. Titled “Charter Captain Jumps On My Boat And Tries Fighting Me For No Reason,” the footage caught the attention of the Punta Gorda Police Department, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Following an investigation, Horner was arrested late Friday, April 4, and charged with burglary with assault or battery (non-forced entry) due to his unauthorized boarding and threatening behavior. He is currently being held in the Charlotte County Jail.
Horner’s attorney, Scott Weinberg, released a statement addressing the incident: “Brock sincerely apologizes to Gage, to Gage’s family, and to anyone who was frightened or upset by what they saw.” Weinberg noted that Horner is a decorated combat veteran injured in Afghanistan, suggesting possible contributing factors to his actions, though he emphasized that this was not an excuse. “Brock is committed to making amends,” Weinberg added.
Video as recorded by Towles. *****Strong Language*****
The viral video has unleashed a torrent of consequences for Horner. His business’s online presence has vanished, with Tarpon Coast Fishing Charters’ website and social media accounts taken down. Local businesses, including Fisherman’s Village, have cut ties with him, and the community has voiced concerns about safety on the water. Meanwhile, Towles reflected on the ordeal in a YouTube comment: “I look at it now like I possibly can save another person from Brock Horner or possibly someone’s life by getting this captain off the water.”
Due to the location and nature of the incident, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the United States Coast Guard are conducting separate investigations in addition to the local criminal investigation.
“This type of behavior will not be tolerated in our waterways—or anywhere else in our city,” said Punta Gorda Police Chief Pam Smith. “We are committed to ensuring the safety of our residents and visitors, both on land and on the water.”
Smith provided an update at a press conference this morning, Saturday, April 5. The update can be viewed below.