A Florida charter boat captain was taken into custody following a confrontation with a YouTuber that was caught on video and went viral.
Authorities say the man climbed aboard the YouTuber’s boat and threatened him, turning a verbal lashing into a serious legal situation.
Viral charter boat captain arrested
On April 4, Punta Gorda police arrested 40-year-old Brock Horner, charging him with felony burglary with assault or battery in connection with an incident that occurred on April 1.
According to law enforcement, Horner pulled up alongside a boat without the owner’s permission and allegedly climbed aboard before launching into a profanity-laced tirade.
Police allege that Horner’s actions were deliberate and hostile, stating in a press release that the suspect “pulled his vessel alongside the victim’s boat without permission and unlawfully boarded it” before proceeding to issue threats that “escalated the situation into a criminal offense.”
The incident gained national attention after the alleged victim, 22-year-old Gage Towles, shared the footage on YouTube, where it has since racked up nearly half a million views.
In the video, recorded in Charlotte Harbor, Horner can be heard aggressively confronting Towles, shouting, “You cussing me out?”
Towles, who appeared to be alone on his boat, replied that the charter boat captain had mistaken him for another boater who failed to display proper lighting.
Towles then challenged Horner’s behavior, saying, “Bro, you can’t come flying through the middle of the f— bridge.”
Horner, apparently unfazed, fired back: “Bulls—, yes I can!”
The dispute intensified, with Horner, who was accompanied by several men, shouting over Towles.
As the boats drew closer, Horner declared, “I am the best charter captain you will ever meet in your motherf—ing life!”
After Horner accused Towles of being a “big tough guy,” the young fisherman snapped back, “Big tough guy? You pulled up on me motherf***er.”
“What are you trying to do, act like a tough guy in front of your buddies?” he added, which prompted Horner to sneer that he didn’t need to “act tough” because everyone on his boat was a “f***ing war veteran.”
“I appreciate you for your service, bro, but that doesn’t give you the right… you don’t gotta run through the middle of the bridge,” Towles told him.
At one point in the video, Horner’s boat gets so close that Towles begins to panic as Horner allegedly climbs onto his vessel.
Despite Towles apologizing and insisting he was “just a kid,” Horner reportedly continued to yell and berate him.
During an April 5 press briefing, the Punta Gorda Police Department said that Horner had allegedly grabbed Towles during the confrontation.
Investigations are also being conducted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the U.S. Coast Guard, which could result in additional charges.
Lawyer of charter boat captain reveals TBI past
Horner’s attorney, Scott Weinberg, issued a public apology through local NBC outlet WBBH, stating, “Brock is not proud of how he acted. But it’s important to remember: we are not the sum of our worst day. That video captured one moment—not the whole of who he is.”
According to Weinberg, Brock is “deeply sorry” for his actions and sincerely apologizes to Gage.
Weinberg also noted that Horner’s livelihood had taken a major hit since Gage’s video went viral.
“Brock’s business has been destroyed, his reputation damaged,” he said. “His wife and mother have received threats.”
According to Weinberg, Horner sustained a traumatic brain injury while serving in the military and is considered 100% disabled by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
“That’s not an excuse — but it is part of his story,” he added. Horner was released on April 5 after posting $20,000 bond.
Alleged Austin Metcalf killer claims self-defense
Meanwhile, a separate incident in Texas has also drawn national attention after a teenager claimed self-defense in the fatal stabbing of a fellow student at a high school track meet.
Karmelo Anthony, 17, allegedly stabbed 17-year-old Austin Metcalf during a school sporting event on April 2.
According to an arrest affidavit obtained by WFAA, Anthony reportedly told police, “I was protecting myself.”
The affidavit states that as officers escorted Anthony from the scene, he said, “He put his hands on me, I told him not to.”
The affidavit reportedly included statements from nearly 30 witnesses, though their names were redacted.
One student witness claimed Metcalf told Anthony to move from a seating section reserved for Memorial High School students.
Anthony, who was enrolled at Centennial High School, allegedly responded by reaching into his bag and warning, “Touch me and see what happens.”
When Metcalf reportedly touched him, Anthony allegedly encouraged him to throw a punch.
As Metcalf grabbed Anthony, the suspect allegedly stabbed him once in the chest before fleeing. Authorities later recovered the weapon in the bleachers.
According to the affidavit, when Anthony was taken into custody, he once again said, “I was protecting myself.”
He was also reportedly identified at the scene by another officer, to which he replied, “I’m not alleged, I did it.”
ABC News revealed that Anthony was “emotional” and “crying hysterically” during his arrest.
While walking to the squad car, he reportedly asked officers if Metcalf was “going to be OK.”
His lawyer reportedly plans to ask for his $1 million bond to be lowered this week.
“I know that my client said it was self-defense. I don’t have any reason to disbelieve that, but I need to develop facts, talk to people and figure out what’s going on before I make any statements about what I think happened,” attorney Deric Walpole told reporters. “I don’t have any reason to think it wasn’t self-defense at this time.”
