PUNTA GORDA, Fla — The viral video of a heated confrontation between two boaters in Punta Gorda sparked outrage - and now, a felony arrest. Punta Gorda Police shared new details Saturday about the moment they say a fishing charter captain crossed the line — literally.
Brock Horner, a local charter captain, is now facing a first-degree felony - charged with burglary with assault or battery.
Watch what police said about the confrontation at the media conference:
Punta Gorda Police said he boarded another man’s boat during a confrontation that happened under the Gilchrist Bridge on April 1.
The viral video — viewed millions of times — showed Horner yelling at 22-year-old Gage Towles. It also showed him jumping into the boat.
“He jumps from the helm of his vessel onto our victim’s vessel, at one point grabbing the victim by the shirt,” said Punta Gorda Police Chief Pam Smith. “He continues being extremely aggressive, yelling at the victim to apologize. At one point the victim starts to fear and moves away from Mr. Horner’s vessel so now they’re separated. And he became so afraid for his life he contemplated jumping.”
At a news conference Saturday, Smith said Horner was arrested Friday night in Port Charlotte. She said the confrontation stemmed from an incident two days earlier, when Horner accused Towles of boating without lights before sunrise.
Watch the full press conference:
Smith said Towles described Horner speeding by dangerously close to his boat. Then, when Horner saw Towles again, Smith said he confronted him.
“This type of aggressive behavior is not tolerated in our city, and we’re going to handle it accordingly as we have. We want to assure everybody that the City of Punta Gorda is a boater-friendly community,” said Smith.
The incident sparked backlash across social media. And out in downtown Punta Gorda, people had plenty to say.
“Once he crossed the line and jumped on the guy’s boat, that was problematic,” said one person. “I do believe that charter captain should lose his license because that was absolutely unheard of,” said another.
“You have to respect other people’s property,” a third added. “You gotta be able to calm your emotions in situations like that,” said a fourth. “Road rage is road rage no matter where it is,” added a fifth.
Punta Gorda Police said it’s still undecided whether Horner will lose his captain’s license. FWC and the U.S. Coast Guard said they are still conducting separate investigations, and more charges could follow.
Police said this is a reminder — when tempers flare on the water, don’t take matters into your own hands. Call them.
