The victim of a violent boating encounter along the Peace River is urging an end to threats against the suspect’s family following the arrest of a charter captain earlier this week.
>>Video Above: Community speaks out after charter captain arrest
According to a statement released by the victim’s attorney, Gage Towles is asking the public to stop targeting 40-year-old Brock Horner’s family and associates after Horner was taken into custody on a charge of Burglary with Assault or Battery. The confrontation took place on Tuesday, April 1.
“No boater, no fisherman, and no person should ever have to endure the experience that Mr. Towles went through and the emotional aftermath that has followed,” the attorney said in the statement. “We kindly ask for individuals to trust the criminal justice system to work through this process...”
- Related : A mother demands refund after viral video reveals charter captain's altercation
Towles expressed gratitude for the support he has received, while also condemning the harassment directed toward Horner’s family and others connected to the case.
Horner was arrested after authorities reviewed video of the incident and interviewed multiple witnesses. He remains in custody at the Charlotte County Jail, and multiple agencies are continuing their investigations.
“Mr. Towles is also greatly concerned with the outpouring of contempt and disgust that has been directed at Mr. Horner’s family, and the community,” the statement said. “We kindly ask all people to refrain from violence and vulgarity during this process.”
The statement also thanked law enforcement officers for their efforts in investigating the case and finding probable cause for Horner’s arrest.
Read the statement in full:
"Date: April 7, 2025
From: Steven Leskovich, J.D., Ed.D.
Leskovich Law Group, P.A.
Re:Victim Impact Statement of Gage Towles
On behalf of the victim, Gage Towles, from the boating tirade that occurred on April 1, 2025, at the hands of Brock Horner, we respectfully request that all threats to Brock Horner’s family and associates cease.
While no boater, no fisherman, and no person should ever have to endear the experience that Mr. Towles went through and the emotional aftermath that has followed, Mr. Horner’s actions will be dealt with through the appropriate channels of the criminal justice system.
While Mr. Towles is extremely grateful for the outpouring of support that he has received from people far and near, Mr. Towles is also greatly concerned with the outpouring of contempt and disgust that has been directed at Mr. Horner’s family, and the community; thus, there is no room for violence or threats of violence directed at innocent individuals because of Mr. Horner’s actions.
Mr. Horner has been arrested for his criminality; we kindly ask for individuals to trust the criminal justice system to work through this process to make sure that he receives the necessary and proper treatment that he so desperately needs, and the rehabilitation that is sought after.
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.
We also want to personally thank the men and women of law enforcement who so actively, thoroughly, and tirelessly investigated this matter and found probable cause for the arrest of Mr. Horner."
DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more.