What crossed the line for a potential charge? Attorney weighs in on viral 'boat rage' video
Share and Follow


PUNTA GORDA, Fla. (WFLA) — A Florida charter captain at the center of a viral video has been arrested and booked into jail on a burglary charge, the Punta Gorda Police Department said Friday night.

Police said they interviewed several people who were involved or present at the time of the April 1 incident and were able to establish probable cause to criminally charge 40-year-old Brock Horner.

In the video, which has been widely shared across the internet, Horner can be seen yelling and cursing at fisherman Gage Towles before climbing onto his boat.

Investigators said Horner escalated the situation into a criminal offense when he threatened Towles and “unlawfully boarded” his boat.

The charge against Horner falls under Florida Statute 810.02(2)(A) – Burglary with Assault or Battery (non-forced entry). 

He was placed under arrest and, as of Friday night, remained in custody at the Charlotte County Jail.

“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.” 

Chief Smith plans to hold a press conference at 8 a.m. on April 5 to further discuss the incident.

In addition to the police department’s investigation, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the United States Coast Guard are conducting separate investigations due to the location and nature of the incident. 

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

Orlando business loses fireworks valued at over $85,000 due to theft

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – The owner of a fireworks business spent much…

GDNR Seeks Public Input on Proposed Changes to ‘Bird Island Rule’

BRUNSWICK, Ga. () — The Georgia Department of Natural Resouces (DNR) is…

Musk suggests a new political party while Trump jokes about DOGE and Elon’s relationship

Elon Musk’s feud with President Donald Trump — and seemingly any congressional…

Florida ambulance company agrees to pay $900K to settle false claims allegations

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The owners of a Florida ambulance company have…

Pasco mom fights for legislative changes after daughter gets hit by car biking to school

NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. (WFLA) — A new law went into effect…

Elizabethton changes date of July 4 celebration to Covered Bridge Park

ELIZABETHTON, Tenn. (WJHL) — After planning to hold its annual Independence Day…

President Trump set to visit Alligator Alcatraz for the site's formal opening

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Gov. Ron DeSantis is calling “Alligator Alcatraz” an…

Thailand’s prime minister suspended after leaked phone call causing unrest

BANGKOK – The Constitutional Court’s suspension of Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra…