Charter Captain at Center of Viral Boating Dispute Released on Bond
PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — Brock Horner, the charter boat captain who went viral following a heated confrontation on the water, has been released from jail after posting a $20,000 bond.
The 40-year-old was arrested late Friday night near Port Charlotte and is facing a felony charge of burglary with assault or battery, stemming from the widely circulated altercation with 20-year-old boater Gage Towles.
The confrontation, which unfolded on the water, allegedly began over a dispute about whether Towles had his vessel’s navigation lights on. In the video, Towles can be heard insisting the lights were on, while Horner aggressively demanded an apology.
The incident has triggered a multi-agency investigation involving the Punta Gorda Police Department, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and the U.S. Coast Guard.
At a press conference held Saturday, Punta Gorda Police Chief Pam Smith stated, “There was certainly enough evidence to charge Mr. Horner with a first-degree felony of burglary.”
Chief Smith detailed the events captured in the video, saying Horner allegedly drove his boat at a high rate of speed, approaching within 10 feet of Towles’ vessel. A verbal altercation ensued, ultimately escalating to the criminal charge.
Horner made his initial appearance in court Saturday at the Charlotte County Justice Center, where court records confirm he is being represented by a public defender.
His arraignment is scheduled for May 5.