The Florida charter boat captain at the center of a viral video is facing a series of new charges and citations following an investigation by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), which said it discovered further offenses during a prior fishing trip.
The Punta Gorda Police Department (PGPD) arrested Brock Horner, 40, just days after a video of him yelling and cursing at a fisherman went viral on the internet.
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Because of the incident’s location, the US Coast Guard, PGPD, and FWC are each conducting their investigations.
Only a week after Horner’s detention, FWC officials said that they had probable cause to charge him with a misdemeanor for harassment of a fisher and a citation for negligent vessel operation.
They claimed their inquiry also discovered new information concerning a different charter fishing trip on March 29 conducted by Horner’s company, Tarpon Coast Fishing Charters. According to the FWC, Horner was operating without a valid saltwater charter authorization and using an incorrectly registered vessel.
The offenses have resulted in two fresh tickets and a second misdemeanor prosecution, according to court filings.
Authorities from all concerned entities are presently conducting investigations.
Horner has subsequently bonded out of jail. He is scheduled to appear in court for his arraignment on May 5, according to the Charlotte County Clerk of Courts.
Horner was seen on film screaming at a 22-year-old boater named Gage Towles on the Peace River on April 1. Towles’ video went viral shortly after, receiving millions of views.
The footage shows Horner pushing his boat alongside Towles’ without permission. According to officials, Horner then forcibly boarded the boat and intimidated Towles, turning the event into a criminal offense.
In the video, Towles repeatedly asks Horner to leave, attempts to settle the situation, and apologizes.
According to an arrest affidavit, the incident proceeded from another that occurred a few days before. The fisherman reported that Horner was speeding and cutting under the bridge. When others called out to Horner to slow down, he allegedly accused them of not having their lights on. Towles said he wasn’t participating, but Horner tracked him down.
Horner was arrested on April 4 on counts of burglary with assault or battery and non-forced entry.
Only a few days later, a judge handed Horner a no-contact order, which means he cannot contact Towles.
Towles’ attorney asks for threats against Horner to stop
According to Punta Gorda Police Chief Pam Smith, Horner’s actions will not be accepted in the community.
“We are committed to ensuring the safety of our residents and visitors, both on land and on the water,” she told the crowd.
Following Horner’s arrest, his initial attorney, Scott Weinberg, informed FOX 35 News that he no longer represented him.
Horner and his family say they have received countless threats since the incident.
In response, Steven Leskovich, Towles’ new attorney, issued a statement requesting an end to the threats and encouraging the public to put their trust in the criminal justice system as it works.
