Ocala, Florida – A tense confrontation at a car wash in Ocala ended with an 18-year-old military recruit using his mixed martial arts training to subdue an ax-wielding suspect, according to authorities.
The incident happened Sunday night as two brothers were closing a local car wash when a man allegedly approached them while carrying an ax.
Officials with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office identified the suspect as Bryce Thayer, 36, who was later arrested following the confrontation.
Authorities say the suspect allegedly approached the teens in a threatening manner while holding an ax.
Surveillance Video Captures Confrontation
According to investigators, the incident unfolded as Leodan Pino, 18, and his 16-year-old brother were shutting down the car wash for the night.
Surveillance video released by authorities reportedly shows the suspect walking toward the brothers while they were securing the property.
Pino told reporters he initially heard yelling before seeing the man approach the business.
“I was locking up the doors and heard someone screaming,” Pino said. “I told him he had to leave the property.”
Officials said the situation escalated after the suspect allegedly pulled an ax that had been attached to his backpack.
Teen Uses MMA Training to Subdue Suspect
Pino, who has training in mixed martial arts (MMA) and recently enlisted in the military, said he acted quickly once he felt threatened.
“Once he lowered the ax, that’s when I went for the takedown,” Pino said.
He explained that he tackled the suspect to the ground and attempted to restrain him while waiting for deputies to arrive.
According to Pino, the struggle continued until he was able to fully control the situation.
“I got him to his back, put him in a body triangle and held him until the police got there,” he said.
Authorities say the confrontation left the suspect with visible facial bruising.
Suspect Arrested and Facing Charges
Deputies later took Thayer into custody after responding to the scene.
According to the sheriff’s office, investigators also discovered a glass pipe believed to be used for methamphetamine during the arrest.
Officials say Thayer is now facing multiple charges, including:
- Two counts of felony aggravated assault with a deadly weapon
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
Authorities confirmed the suspect is currently being held on $11,000 bond.
Suspect Has Prior Arrests
Jail records show Thayer has been arrested multiple times since May 2024 by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
Previous charges reportedly included:
- Possession of controlled substances
- Possession of drugs in a detention facility
- Trespassing after warning
- Property damage
- Petit theft
- Cannabis possession
- Drug paraphernalia possession
Teen Says He Acted to Protect His Brother
Following the incident, Pino said his primary concern during the confrontation was protecting his younger brother.
“I’m thankful I was there with him because I don’t know if someone else would have handled it the same way,” Pino said.
He added that he felt grateful he had the training and strength needed to control the situation until deputies arrived.
Authorities say the investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
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