Arrest of two at south end of Gasparilla Island

Two men were arrested for resisting an officer without violence around 11 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13 on South Harbor Drive. 

Gage Liam Towles and Wesley Robert Owensby, both 21, were fishing in the water at a “community dock,” along with one other man, according to the Lee County Sheriff’s report. 

Deputies Justin Coker and David Scozzafava were conducting routine patrols and made contact with the men, according to the report. Deputy Coker requested Towles and Owensby provide a fishing license and explained that they would be arrested if they did not provide one. 

Both were actively fishing, with Towles holding a sheepshead fish in a keep net, according to the report.

The deputies turned away briefly to speak about how they would approach the men in the water, and when they turned back, they saw that the men were fleeing the scene in the water. The deputies knew the men had parked near Belcher Road, so they waited for them and they were able to make contact with the men there. The deputies once again requested valid identification or a fishing license. Owensby responded in a statement that is now redacted in the report; however, subsequently, Deputy Coker advised him that he was detained and not free to leave. 

Deputy Coker requested a fishing license from Towles, who responded by yelling. “Towles was belligerent and was talking over deputies,” according to the report. Deputy Coker advised him that he was detained and Towles again attempted to leave the scene, at which point Deputy Coker physically detained him in double-locked handcuffs behind his back. Deputies requested Owensby to produce a license before handcuffing him as well. 

Deputy Scozzafava confirmed with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers that they have the authority to request a fishing license check on anyone actively enging in fishing. 

Both men were charged with one count of violation of Florida State Statute 843.02 (obstruction without violence) for failing to comply with a lawful order given by Deputy Coker to produce a fishing license or a valid state-issued identification while actively fishing for live fish in state waters.

Towles and Owensby were transported to Lee County Jail without incident and booked during the early hours of Saturday, Dec. 14. They were both released on $500 bonds around 8 a.m. on Saturday morning.