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Charter Boat Captain Faces Charges After On-Water Confrontation in Florida
A charter boat captain is facing legal repercussions after an incident in Punta Gorda, Florida, where he reportedly harassed a young fisherman. Brock Thomas Horner, 40, was filmed confronting Gage Towles, 22, on April 1st, following a prior close call with another vessel. The captain, who operates Tarpon Coast Fishing Charters and previously promoted himself as a military veteran, now faces a felony burglary with assault or battery charge. This incident has also brought scrutiny to Horner’s claims of military service and a lengthy history of past offenses.
Allegations of False Military Service Claims Emerge Against Charter Captain
Brock Horner, the charter boat captain involved in the recent altercation, has come under scrutiny regarding his claims of military service. Horner’s business, Tarpon Coast Fishing Charters, which has since removed its online presence, previously touted him as a U.S. Army Ranger veteran on its website and social media. The now-deleted website stated, ‘Brock is a Florida Gulf Coast University graduate and a US Army Ranger Veteran (Paratrooper).’ It further claimed, ‘Brock is an Operation Enduring Freedom / Operation Iraqi Freedom OEF/OIF veteran certified in CPR, AED, and Pediatrics. Brock is also part of the Wounded Warriors alumni association.’
However, official military records contradict these assertions. The U.S. Army Service Center confirmed that Horner never served with a Ranger battalion. His actual military record indicates he served as a human resources specialist, enlisting in August 2003 and being discharged in April 2007.
Charter boat captain Brock Horner was filmed harassing and threatening a young fisherman in a dispute over a mistaken identity.
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Horner was charged with felony burglary with assault or battery and was released from Charlotte County Jail on $20,000 bail.
Details of Military Service Record and Discrepancies in Veteran Status
While Horner’s lawyer released a statement that alluded to his military service, it notably omitted any mention of Ranger status. Military records show Horner attained the rank of private first class shortly before his discharge. He was deployed to Afghanistan for approximately a year, from March 2005 to March 2006, as he stated. As a human resources specialist, his role would typically involve administrative support at a military base. Despite this, Horner’s record does include a Combat Action Badge, typically awarded for participation in combat. It remains unclear if this was awarded to his unit collectively or if Horner was directly involved in combat situations. His Afghanistan Campaign Medal includes an Arrowhead attachment, usually given for combat-related airborne or amphibious landings. Horner’s record also shows a parachutist badge, which is often a requirement for support personnel in airborne units. The circumstances surrounding his Arrowhead attachment remain unclear. Other medals listed on his record are standard for overseas service and good conduct.
Horner operates Tarpon Coast Fishing Charters and used claims of being a military veteran to promote his now-deleted business websites and social media accounts.
An example of a promotional photo featuring Horner with fish, previously used for his business.
Statement from Horner’s Lawyer Addresses Incident and Military Background
A statement from Horner’s lawyer, Scott Weinberg, described Horner as a ‘decorated combat veteran who was severely injured in Afghanistan’ and suffering from a traumatic brain injury (TBI) sustained in combat. Despite claims of combat injuries and a TBI, Horner was not awarded a Purple Heart, although this medal was not consistently awarded for TBIs during his service period. The statement further suggested the TBI led to a 100 percent disability discharge. While medical records are private and cannot be verified, public property records indicate Horner’s residence had a disabled veteran exemption. Weinberg’s statement also addressed accusations of ‘stolen valor’. Florida law has strict regulations regarding false claims about military service, which could apply to Horner if he misrepresented his Ranger status for business promotion. Recently, Florida approved legislation to classify lying about military records as a third-degree felony.
Extensive Criminal History Revealed
Beyond the recent charges and questions surrounding his military service, Horner has an extensive criminal history spanning over two decades, including incidents during his active military service. His record includes more than a dozen charges, ranging from DUI to assault and theft. The earliest charge dates back to March 2002 for petty theft and dealing in stolen property. More serious charges emerged in 2003, including three separate battery charges within that year: January 29, February 11, and a December 31st incident where he allegedly punched a minor.
Horner’s mugshot from 2003 relating to battery charges on January 29, February 11, and New Year’s Eve (left), and another image frequently used in criminal databases during the 2000s.
Details of 2003 Battery Incident
Police responded to a call at the Port Charlotte Town Square Mall parking lot around 9:40 pm on December 30, 2003. Jesse Schorsch, 16, reported to police that Horner punched him in the face. According to the probable cause affidavit, ‘Jesse was lying down on the ground… he had a black eye with some blood trickling down from a cut on his face.’ Witnesses told police that two cars arrived, turned around upon seeing Jesse, and then individuals from both vehicles confronted him. The affidavit stated, ‘They started to talk to Jesse and then [Horner] hit Jesse in the face with one punch, which knocked him to the ground and knocked him out… Jesse fell straight to the ground and hit his head on the concrete sidewalk.’ Horner, described as having a crew cut and having recently enlisted, was later found guilty of felony battery and sentenced to 12 months probation. In the same year, a charge of possessing a weapon on school property against Horner was later dropped.
Subsequent DUIs and Parole Violations
Following his military discharge, Horner faced two DUI charges. The first occurred on March 15, 2008, resulting in a 30-day jail sentence. The second DUI arrest was on April 5, 2014, which was reduced to reckless driving after Horner completed a DUI course, and he received probation. Horner violated parole related to both the 2003 battery charge and the 2014 reckless driving charge, leading to re-arrests, though not further jail time.
Horner’s mugshots from a 2014 DUI charge (left) and a 2016 probation violation (right).
Additional Charges and Infractions
Further parole violations occurred in 2009, 2010, and 2016, as well as a disorderly conduct charge in 2010, for which adjudication was withheld after a no contest plea. Horner’s record also includes numerous traffic violations on both land and water, including driving without a license and speeding in a manatee protection zone.
Facing Current Legal and Professional Repercussions
Brock Horner is now contending with new criminal charges from local, state, and federal authorities, and significant damage to his professional standing. He was charged with felony burglary with assault or battery and was released on $20,000 bail from Charlotte County Jail. The U.S. Coast Guard and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are also conducting investigations and may bring additional charges. His business websites and social media platforms have been removed, and his reputation appears severely tarnished.
Friend and Victim Advocate for Restraint Amid Online Outcry
Jonny Rickert, a friend of Horner, acknowledged Horner’s wrongdoing and stated he deserved jail time, but urged an end to the harassment directed at Horner’s family. Rickert wrote online that, ‘His family doesn’t deserve the death/rape threats they’ve received, his head doesn’t belong on a spike, his kid should be able to play little league, and people shouldn’t throw dead animals in his front yard,’ arguing that violent criminals often receive less online backlash than Horner’s family is experiencing. Gage Towles, through his lawyer, echoed this sentiment, calling for supporters to cease harassing Horner and his family and allow the legal process to unfold. His lawyer’s statement emphasized, ‘There is no room for violence or threats of violence directed at innocent individuals because of Mr Horner’s actions.’ The statement further requested, ‘We kindly ask all people to refrain from violence and vulgarity during this process and to cease all threats made to Brock Horner, his family, and/or his attorney.’
Gage Towles, 22, posted video footage of the April 1st incident, showing him repeatedly explaining to Horner that he ‘has the wrong guy’.
Horner’s Apology and Defense
Horner issued an apology through his lawyer, Scott Weinberg, stating, ‘What began as a moment of frustration and concern escalated in a way it simply should not have.’ He acknowledged Towles’ composure, saying, ‘Gage handled the situation with impressive composure and class, and that level-headedness helped prevent things from becoming far worse.’ Horner admitted, ‘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.’ Weinberg also highlighted the consequences Horner has faced since the video’s emergence, including business ruin, reputational damage, and family harassment, including threats. Weinberg maintained that Horner ‘stood up when this country asked him to’ and insisted his military history ‘deserves to be respected’.
A photo from Horner’s now-deleted business website for Tarpon Coast Fishing Charters.
Details of the On-Water Confrontation
During the encounter, Horner reportedly used his military service to justify his behavior and directed abusive language towards Towles. Towles responded, ‘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.’ Weinberg, despite Horner’s conduct, appealed for forgiveness, urging, ‘Let’s hold people accountable – but also give them room to grow and make amends. Brock is committed to doing exactly that.’ Public defender David Maijala is assigned to Horner’s criminal case, not Weinberg, according to court records.
Escalation and Threats Aboard Towles’ Boat
Towles’ attempts to explain he was not involved in the initial incident were disregarded by Horner, who boarded Towles’ vessel, threatening him. Horner’s aggressive behavior culminated in him jumping onto Towles’ smaller boat, as documented in the video. Horner is heard shouting, ‘I’m 300 f**king days on the water, I’m the best charter captain you’ll ever f**king meet in your motherf**king life. You cuss me out… Apologize,’ while cornering Towles. Towles, appearing distressed, pleaded with Horner to de-escalate, saying, ‘Chill bro please, please bro, bro I’m a kid.’
Horner boarded the young fisherman’s boat while making threats.
Towles’ Account and Motivation for Sharing Video
Despite Towles’ repeated explanations that Horner had mistaken him for someone else, the altercation escalated. Towles attempted to clarify that another fisherman, out earlier, was responsible for any perceived offense regarding boat lights. Horner retorted with threats directed at Towles and the other fisherman. Towles described feeling ‘weak’ during the encounter, stating it was ‘the (icing on) the cake’ after an already difficult day. In sharing the video, Towles explained his motivation was to potentially prevent future incidents involving Horner, stating, ‘I look at it now like I possibly can save another person from Brock Horner or possibly someone’s life by getting this captain off the water.’
Initial Interaction and Misunderstanding
Initially, Horner and his companions maintained a distance, approaching Towles’ fishing location. Horner shouted from his boat, ‘You were cussing me out.’ Towles responded calmly, indicating another boat was likely the source of Horner’s frustration, ‘Nah that was the dude in that boat. Were you the one that came through in the middle of the bridge? I was here, but you ran in front of the dude over there.’ When Towles realized Horner was not receptive to explanation, he attempted to disengage, saying it was ‘not the time,’ and that he’s ‘not going to do this,’ which only triggered Horner further.
Towles repeatedly apologized and tried to explain to Horner that he had mistaken him for someone else.
Verbal Exchange and Military Claims
Horner challenged Towles, asking, ‘You want to f**king go?’ Towles reiterated he wanted no trouble and wanted Horner to leave. Horner then called Towles ‘Big tough guy,’ from his own boat. Towles responded that Horner was the one acting aggressively in front of his companions, ‘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?’ Horner asserted he didn’t need to ‘act tough’ because his companions knew his toughness, stating, ‘…we’re all f***ing war veterans’. When Towles thanked Horner for his service in an attempt to de-escalate the situation, it proved ineffective. Horner’s aggression intensified, leading him to board Towles’ boat.
Police Response and Investigation
Following the video’s viral spread, the Punta Gorda Police Department was overwhelmed with calls, prompting an urgent public request to cease further calls regarding the incident. The department stated, ‘The Punta Gorda Police Department is aware of the incident involving a dispute between two adult boaters under the Barron Collier Bridge on April 1, 2025,’ clarifying that ‘A police report has been filed with the department, and the incident is currently under investigation.’ They added, ‘Please do not call to report this situation; it is currently being investigated by both the Punta Gorda Police, FWC, and the US Coast Guard. Additional calls to our dispatch could slow our response to situations that require immediate attention.’
‘It made me feel so weak but I was already having a horrible day and this was the (icing on) the cake,’ Towles recounted regarding the incident.
Criticism of Passengers on Horner’s Boat
The individuals accompanying Horner on his boat have also faced criticism for their apparent inaction during the confrontation. One individual steered the boat closer, enabling Horner to board Towles’ vessel. Austin Stewart, one of Horner’s companions, stated he ‘wasn’t involved in the situation that caused it’ and ‘didn’t expect Brock to jump in the other boater’s boat – it caught all of us off guard.’ He added, ‘I want to be clear, I condemn Brock’s actions and in no way support what happened,’ and that he is cooperating with law enforcement. Another passenger, Johnny Riggs, a firefighter and combat veteran, received support from Fire Chief Scott Titus, who defended Riggs’ character, citing his ‘calm, easygoing demeanor’ and service to the community and country. However, this defense was met with local criticism, with some arguing Riggs failed in his duty to de-escalate the situation.
Johnny Riggs, another individual on Horner’s boat, is a firefighter and fellow combat veteran.
Initially, Horner and his companions maintained a safe distance from Towles’ boat before approaching his fishing location.
Community Support for Fisherman
Gage Towles has received significant support from the local fishing community in the aftermath of the incident. One supporter, identifying as a ‘local marine professional and Marine combat veteran,’ expressed shame at Horner’s and his companions’ conduct, stating it was not representative of veterans or marine professionals, and apologized to Towles for his experience. Another commenter suggested pressing piracy charges against Horner for boarding Towles’ boat with perceived intent to harm. Numerous comments praised Towles’ calm demeanor, with one writing, ‘You handled this like a real man. You did everything to de-escalate and defuse him… Your parents should be proud.’