Mixed martial arts (MMA) trained teen subdues axe-wielding suspect at Florida car wash captured on video

Video issued by Marion County Sheriff’s Office It allegedly showed the suspect, later identified as Bryce Thayer, 36, approaching car wash workers Leodan Pino, 18, and his 16-year-old brother, as they were closing up for the night.

When Thayer was asked to leave the property, he became “agitated” and approached the brothers in a “threatening manner” while carrying an axe, officials said.

“I was closing all the doors and I heard some people screaming, someone shouting something,” Pino said. Fox 35 Orlando. “…He’s obviously not in the right frame of mind. …He walks into the tunnel, and then I say to him: ‘You’ve got to leave, man.’ “You have to leave.”

Bryce Thayer is accused of threatening employees with an axe. (Marion County Sheriff’s Office)

A VIRAL VIDEO shows WHATABURGER staff fending off an attacker using a trash can and a frying basket

That happened when Thayer pulled out an ax that was strapped to his backpack and pointed it at him, Pino said.

The footage showed Benno lunging at Thayer, while his younger brother pulled the ax from him.

“As soon as he landed, I shot him, overpowered him and took control,” said Pino, who is trained in mixed martial arts (MMA). “Once I realized he wasn’t going to let go, that’s when I threw elbows at him, until he was incapacitated. … I got him on his back, put him in a body triangle, put him in a rear-naked chokehold and waited until the police got there.”

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Thayer’s photo showed severe facial bruising, presumably caused during the struggle.

Pino, who recently He joined the army“He got what he deserved,” he said.

During Thayer’s subsequent arrest, a search revealed a glass pipe used for methamphetamine, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

He is charged with two counts of felony aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill and possession of drug paraphernalia, according to jail records. He is being held on $11,000 bail.

A video released by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office allegedly showed the suspect approaching two car wash workers. (Marion County Sheriff’s Office)

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Jail records reviewed by Fox News Digital Thayer has been arrested by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office four times since May 2024, on charges that include:

• Felony possession of a controlled substance without a prescription
• Felony possession of a controlled substance in a detention facility
• Damage to property
• Petty theft
• Overtaking after warning
• Possession of cannabis
• Two counts of possession of narcotic drugs

Pino said he was “very grateful that God gave me the opportunity and gave me the strength to be able to control this situation.”

“I’m thankful that I was the one who got close to my brother and no one else was because I’m not sure if any of my coworkers would have done the same thing I would have done,” he said. “…I’m glad I was able to protect my brother.”