On a quiet afternoon along the Peace River in Punta Gorda, 22-year-old Gage Towles found himself at the center of a terrifying encounter that would soon grip the attention of thousands online. As he navigated his small vessel through the calm waters on April 1, 2025, a 40-year-old charter captain named Brock Horner suddenly leapt aboard, his voice erupting in a torrent of screams and threats. Towles, startled and outmatched, managed to capture the entire ordeal on video—a decision that would transform a fleeting moment of fear into a viral sensation and a criminal case. Now, Horner sits behind bars in Charlotte County Jail, facing serious charges of burglary with assault or battery, while authorities send a resounding message: such aggressive behavior has no place on the water.
The incident unfolded in broad daylight, a stark contrast to the serene backdrop of the Peace River, a popular spot for boaters and anglers in Southwest Florida. Towles, a young man enjoying a day on his boat, had no warning of the confrontation to come. Horner, an experienced charter captain known in local boating circles, approached in his own vessel before making the impulsive decision to board Towles’ craft without permission. What followed was a heated exchange, with Horner towering over the younger man, his words laced with menace. Towles, though shaken, kept his composure long enough to record the encounter, preserving evidence that would later prove critical.
Law enforcement responded swiftly after the video surfaced. Deputies from the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office reviewed the footage and determined that Horner’s actions crossed a legal line. By entering Towles’ boat uninvited and engaging in threatening behavior, Horner had committed what authorities classified as burglary with assault or battery—a felony charge carrying significant consequences. He was arrested shortly after the incident and booked into the county jail, where he remains as the case moves forward. The sheriff’s office has since emphasized its commitment to maintaining safety on the waterways, with a spokesperson stating plainly that this kind of conduct will face strict repercussions.
The video, now widely circulated online, offers a raw glimpse into the confrontation. Horner’s imposing figure and raised voice dominate the frame, while Towles’ attempts to de-escalate the situation are met with unrelenting hostility. For many viewers, the footage is a chilling reminder of how quickly a peaceful outing can turn volatile. It has sparked conversations about boater etiquette, personal safety, and the role of technology in holding aggressors accountable. Towles, though reluctant to step into the spotlight, has become an unintended symbol of resilience, his quick thinking with a camera turning a private ordeal into a public reckoning.
Details about Horner’s background remain sparse, though locals describe him as a familiar face in Punta Gorda’s boating community. Some speculate that a prior dispute or misunderstanding may have fueled his outburst, but no official motive has been confirmed by authorities. What is clear, however, is the impact of his actions. The legal system now holds his fate, with the burglary charge potentially leading to years in prison if he’s convicted. Meanwhile, Towles is left to process the emotional toll of an encounter that shattered the tranquility of his day on the river.
For the Punta Gorda community, the incident has rippled beyond the individuals involved. The Peace River, long cherished as a haven for recreation, now bears the weight of this unsettling event. Law enforcement has vowed to increase patrols and ensure that boaters can enjoy the water without fear. As the story continues to spread, it serves as both a cautionary tale and a call for accountability, amplified by a young man’s courage to press record. Horner’s next court appearance will likely draw further attention, but for now, the viral video stands as a testament to a moment when fear met resolve—and the law stepped in to respond.