Gage Towles and Brock Horner: Charter Captain Arrested After Confrontation Captured on Viral Video
On the Peace River in Punta Gorda, a tense and shocking confrontation between a 40-year-old charter captain and a 20-year-old boater turned into a criminal case, drawing attention across social media after the incident was captured on video. The incident, which unfolded on the morning of March 2025, saw charter captain Brock Horner, aged 40, jump onto the boat of young boater Gage Towles, aged 20, in a fit of rage. Horner’s actions, which were aggressive and threatening, ultimately led to his arrest and subsequent charges of burglary with assault or battery.
The incident, which was filmed by Towles himself, has gone viral, igniting a wave of public outcry. Towles, who had been enjoying a peaceful day on the river with friends, is seen on the video calmly documenting the encounter while Horner screamed at him, allegedly in response to a perceived boating violation or other dispute. The video, lasting just over a minute, clearly captures Horner’s erratic and aggressive behavior, which escalated when he climbed onto Towles’ boat and began threatening him verbally.
Local law enforcement responded swiftly to the viral video. In a statement, the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Horner was arrested and charged with burglary with assault or battery. Authorities have emphasized the severity of Horner’s behavior, with Sheriff Bill Prummell declaring that such conduct, particularly in public waters, would not be tolerated in their community. “This kind of behavior on our waters is unacceptable,” Prummell stated. “The safety of all individuals on the water is paramount, and there is no place for this kind of aggression.”
A Confrontation That Escalated Quickly: The Moments Leading Up to the Arrest
It was a typical morning on the Peace River when Gage Towles, a 20-year-old who frequently spends time boating in the area, found himself in the middle of a terrifying and unexpected confrontation. According to Towles, he was navigating his boat near the Peace River Bridge when the encounter with Horner occurred. While the exact reason for the altercation remains unclear, there are speculations that it may have been linked to Towles’ boat either being too close to Horner’s charter boat or some kind of misunderstanding related to boating rules. However, what became clear very quickly was that Horner’s reaction went far beyond what would be considered a normal boating dispute.
As seen in the video, Towles attempts to remain calm and document the situation, which shows Horner stepping onto his boat without permission. What begins as a verbal confrontation quickly escalates to threats, with Horner shouting at Towles and even shoving him during the exchange. Towles, visibly shaken but determined to stay composed, continues recording, capturing every detail of the captain’s erratic behavior.
The moment Horner jumps onto the boat is a critical turning point. The footage shows Horner appearing to lose control, yelling threats of physical violence and accusing Towles of endangering the safety of those on the water. Towles, visibly trying to de-escalate the situation, is heard telling Horner to “calm down,” but the charter captain’s anger shows no signs of subsiding. It’s unclear from the footage if Towles had done anything specifically to provoke the outburst, and Towles later emphasized that he was only trying to enjoy a day out on the water and was caught off guard by the aggressive confrontation.
The Aftermath: Arrest and Legal Action
Following the release of the video, local authorities quickly took action, with the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office confirming that they had launched an investigation into the incident. In a statement released shortly after Horner’s arrest, the Sheriff’s Office noted that they had received numerous calls and messages from concerned citizens who had viewed the viral video. Horner was arrested on charges of burglary with assault or battery, which, under Florida law, is defined as unlawfully entering or remaining on a property (in this case, the boat) and committing an act of violence or threatening harm.
The arrest occurred without incident, with Horner taken into custody and later booked into Charlotte County Jail. His bond was set, and he remains incarcerated as of the latest update. The nature of the charges against Horner—burglary with assault or battery—indicates the seriousness of the incident. Legally, for Horner to be charged with burglary, he must have unlawfully entered the vessel (Towles’ boat) and engaged in an act of assault or battery. In this case, the video footage, along with Towles’ statements, will serve as key pieces of evidence in the prosecution of the case.
Gage Towles, for his part, has expressed relief that the incident is being taken seriously. He has also stated that he is “thankful for the support” from the community and his family, who have rallied around him since the event occurred. Towles, who was not physically injured in the confrontation, says he’s been deeply affected by the emotional trauma of being threatened and invaded in such a personal way. While Towles has not made a statement regarding the specifics of any potential civil action, legal experts speculate that he may pursue damages for emotional distress and other potential claims.
Community Outrage and Support for Victim Gage Towles
The video of the confrontation quickly went viral, sparking a mix of outrage and disbelief across social media platforms. Viewers expressed shock at Horner’s actions, with many criticizing the captain for his violent and aggressive behavior. Towles, who has been praised for keeping his composure in the face of the assault, has received widespread support from both local residents and others who have seen the video online.
“Thank you for standing up for yourself, Gage,” one commenter wrote on social media. “This is insane, and I’m so glad this is being taken seriously.”
Several boating groups and local organizations have also weighed in on the incident, emphasizing the importance of maintaining safety and respect on the water. Some have called for greater education on boating safety and conflict resolution, hoping that this tragic and bizarre incident might serve as a teaching moment for other boaters who might find themselves in similar situations. Towles himself has stated that he hopes the incident will raise awareness about safety on the water and the importance of staying calm during disputes.
What’s Next for Brock Horner? Legal Consequences and the Road Ahead
As for Brock Horner, the charter captain, he now faces serious legal consequences. While he has yet to enter a plea in response to the charges, his actions have sparked a conversation about the responsibilities of boat captains and their duty to maintain professional conduct. As a charter captain, Horner is responsible not only for his own safety but also for the safety and well-being of his passengers. Many are now questioning whether his actions on the river reflect a pattern of behavior that could have far-reaching consequences for his career and reputation.
Legal experts have noted that if convicted of burglary with assault or battery, Horner could face significant penalties, including jail time, fines, and the potential loss of his professional license to operate as a charter captain. The potential damage to his reputation could also be long-lasting, as individuals in the local community and beyond may be less inclined to hire him for future services.
In the coming weeks, as the case moves through the legal system, attention will likely continue to focus on the specific details of the encounter. It’s likely that more information will emerge as both sides prepare for trial, and legal experts will closely monitor the case to see if the charges stick.
The Wider Debate on Boating Safety and the Importance of Conflict Resolution
The viral video has not only highlighted the incident itself but has also sparked broader conversations about boating safety and conflict resolution on the water. Boating accidents and altercations between boaters are not uncommon, especially in popular tourist destinations like Punta Gorda. However, what makes this case unique is the highly personal nature of the confrontation and the way it escalated into violence.
Advocates for boating safety have called for more comprehensive programs that emphasize communication and conflict de-escalation skills for boaters. These programs would focus on helping individuals remain calm in high-stress situations, something that could have potentially avoided the violent confrontation seen in this case. Boating experts also suggest that the use of proper signage, clear regulations, and educational outreach could help prevent similar incidents in the future.
While this incident has certainly garnered widespread attention, it’s also sparked important questions about how we interact with each other on the water and the measures that need to be in place to ensure the safety of all individuals involved.
Conclusion: A Lesson in Civility and the Importance of Accountability
Ultimately, the confrontation between Brock Horner and Gage Towles serves as a powerful reminder that behavior on the water should always be rooted in respect and safety. The outpouring of support for Towles, along with the legal action being taken against Horner, underscores the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions—especially when those actions put others at risk.
For now, the case continues to unfold, with the community keeping a close eye on the next steps in the legal proceedings. Towles has already shown incredible strength in the face of adversity, and many are hopeful that his experience will lead to greater awareness and positive change in the boating community. As for Brock Horner, the consequences of his actions will be determined in the court of law, and the impact of this viral incident may be felt for years to come.
This story is far from over, and as the legal process continues, both victims and advocates alike will be watching closely to ensure that justice is served.
