A dramatic confrontation unfolded recently in Punta Gorda, Florida, when a charter boat captain jumped onto a young fisherman’s boat during a heated argument. The incident was captured on video and has since gone viral, racking up over 15 million views on social media.
The altercation involved Brock Horner, 40, and Gage Towels, a 22-year-old fisherman. According to police reports, the chaos erupted in Charlotte Harbor after Horner accused Towels of an earlier incident. Tensions escalated when Towels insisted that Horner had the wrong person and warned him about speeding through the bridge area.
In a fit of rage, Horner shouted profanities, declaring himself the best charter captain and claiming to be a tough guy in front of his friends. He then leaped onto Towels’ boat, prompting the young fisherman to plead for calm as he tried to speed away. "Chill bro, chill bro please!" Towels exclaimed in the video, desperately trying to distance himself from the situation.
Horner continued to berate Towels, demanding an apology while the young man maintained his innocence. Towels repeatedly expressed his youth and inexperience, saying, "I’m a kid bro, I’m a kid." Despite Towels’ attempts to defuse the situation, Horner’s aggression did not wane. He threatened Towels, warning him about the consequences of his actions.
The Punta Gorda Police Department later arrested Horner and charged him with burglary with assault or battery. Police Chief Pam Smith condemned Horner’s behavior, stating that such actions would not be tolerated on the waterways or anywhere in the city.
In the aftermath, Horner’s attorney issued a statement expressing his client’s remorse for the incident. The attorney praised Towels for his composure during the confrontation and noted that Horner is a decorated combat veteran who suffered a traumatic brain injury in Afghanistan. The statement emphasized that while Horner’s service should be respected, it does not excuse his behavior.
Horner is currently being held in the Charlotte County Jail as community members react to the shocking video. The incident has sparked discussions about safety on the water and the importance of respectful conduct among boaters.