Keys man accused of firing rifle on boat after 'mutiny' by passengers

Deputies say felon Tobias Bybee, 38, had 2 guns on boat

Tobias Bybee is accused of firing a rifle on his boat during an argument with his passengers.

MARATHON, Fla. – A Florida Keys man was arrested Thursday after he fired a gun on his boat during an argument with the passengers, Monroe County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Becky Herrin said.

Tobias Bybee, 38, of Marathon, was fishing and having drinks with four friends at sunset Thursday when they got into an argument.

Recommended Videos



Bybee got his rifle, struck one of his friends in the throat with the stock of the gun and fired several shots, scaring the others, who thought Bybee was going to shoot them, Herrin said.

While they were on their way to shore, one of the passengers called 911 to report the incident.

When Bybee arrived, he was met by a deputy who placed him under arrest. Herrin said Bybee told the deputy that he fired the gun because there had been a "mutiny on board the vessel."

Herrin said two guns were found on the boat.

Bybee, who is a felon, faces four counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, one count of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and one count of possession of a weapon by a convicted felon.


About the Author:

Peter Burke returned for a second stint of duty at Local 10 News in February 2014.