Charges Filed Against Charlotte County Boater in Viral Incident

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida — A man known for a viral confrontation with another boater is scheduled for arraignment on Monday, following allegations of threatening behavior.

The Incident Unfolds

Brock Horner reportedly confronted Gage Towles after accusing him of fishing without proper lighting under a bridge, creating a potential hazard for other vessel operators. Eyewitness accounts captured Horner jumping onto Towles’ boat, escalating the conflict significantly.

Eyewitness Testimony

In an exclusive interview with Gulf Coast News, Towles recounted the frightening encounter, stating, “When he jumped on my boat, that’s when it went from, you know, me just brushing this guy off to now, fearing that I was going to die.” He went on to describe his panic as he attempted to shake Horner off his boat: “I instantly threw the boat in gear, I tried to, you know, slip him off or some way, you know, get him off of my boat.”

Legal Proceedings

Following the incident, Punta Gorda police arrested Horner, and he faces additional charges from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission related to prior outings. The court proceedings are set to begin at 9:30 a.m.

Conclusion

This case highlights the growing tension on Florida’s waterways and the importance of adhering to safety regulations. As legal proceedings continue, this incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with boating.