Military Recruit, 18, Tackles Ax-Wielding Man

Teen Military Recruit Uses MMA Training to Subdue Ax-Wielding Suspect at Florida Car Wash

A tense confrontation at a Florida car wash ended with an ax-wielding suspect subdued after an 18-year-old military recruit used his mixed martial arts training to bring the situation under control.

Authorities say the dramatic encounter unfolded in Ocala and involved two teenage brothers who were closing the business when a man allegedly approached them in a threatening manner.

Suspect Approaches With Ax

According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the suspect, identified as Bryce Thayer, walked toward the brothers while they were finishing their shift.

The teens, Leodan Pino, 18, and his 16-year-old brother, were locking up when the man reportedly became agitated after being told to leave the property.

Authorities say Thayer then pulled an ax from a backpack and pointed it toward the brothers.

Video released by the sheriff’s office shows the tense moment as the suspect approaches the car wash workers.

Split-Second Response

Pino said he quickly realized the situation could turn dangerous.

As the suspect lowered the weapon, Pino moved in.

His younger brother managed to pull the ax away while Pino executed a mixed martial arts takedown.

“Once he lowered, that’s when I shot the takedown,” Pino told local media.

Using techniques he learned through MMA training, Pino said he pinned the suspect to the ground and restrained him until deputies arrived.

He described placing the man in a body triangle and applying a rear-naked choke to keep him under control.

Suspect Arrested

Deputies with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office soon arrived and took Thayer into custody.

Authorities said a search during the arrest revealed a glass pipe commonly used for methamphetamine.

Thayer now faces two felony counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill, along with a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia.

Jail records show he is being held on an $11,000 bond.

Protecting His Brother

Pino, who recently enlisted in the military, said his main focus during the incident was protecting his younger brother.

“I’m thankful that God gave me the opportunity and the strength to control that situation,” he said.

He added that he was grateful to have been present when the encounter happened, noting that not everyone might have been prepared to respond the way he did.

The quick reaction from both brothers helped prevent what could have been a far more dangerous outcome.