Florida Charter Boat Captain Brock Horner Arrested After Viral Video

PUNTA GORDA, Florida – Florida fishing charter captain Brock Horner was arrested after a viral video of him arguing with young men and boarding their boat drew public backlash.

The video, posted on Facebook by one of the young men, Gage Towles, shows Tarpon Coast Fishing Charters Captain Brock Horner complaining about the proper use of maritime lights.

“On April 1, 2025, at approximately 7:30 p.m., an incident occurred in the waterways of Charlotte Harbor involving an unlawful boarding and confrontation between two individuals on separate vessels,” the Punta Gorda Police, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and the U.S. Coast Guard stated in a joint press release.

“Following an investigation by the Punta Gorda Police Department, 40-year-old Brock Horner (DOB 01/08/1985) has been arrested and charged under Florida Statute 810.02(2)(A) – Burglary with Assault or Battery (non-forced entry).”

The investigation included the review of video evidence provided by the victim, along with interviews conducted with several individuals involved or present at the time of the incident.

“Based on the information gathered, the Punta Gorda Police Department Marine Unit established probable cause to charge Horner in connection with the unlawful boarding and threats made during the altercation,” the release concluded.

“According to the investigation, Horner pulled his vessel alongside the victim’s boat without permission and unlawfully boarded it. During the unauthorized entry, Horner reportedly threatened the victim, escalating the situation into a criminal offense.”

In addition to the local criminal investigation, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the United States Coast Guard are conducting separate investigations due to the location and nature of the incident.

“This type of behavior will not be tolerated in our waterways—or anywhere else in our city,” said Punta Gorda Police Chief Pam Smith. “We are committed to ensuring the safety of our residents and visitors, both on land and on the water.”

After the video went viral, but before his arrest, Brock Horner had issued an apology through his attorney.

Chief Smith will be holding a press conference at 8:00 a.m. on April 5, 2025, at the Punta Gorda Police Department.