Teen Uses MMA Skills to Subdue Axe-Wielding Man at Car Wash

The 18-year-old military recruit protected his younger brother from the alleged perpetrator.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 4:48pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An 18-year-old military recruit used his mixed martial arts training to subdue an axe-wielding man who approached him and his 16-year-old brother at a car wash in Ocala, Florida. The teen took the alleged perpetrator to the ground, controlled the situation, and held him in a rear naked choke until police arrived.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the importance of self-defense skills, especially for young people working in public-facing jobs. The teen's actions likely prevented a serious assault and potentially saved his brother's life.

The details

Leodan Pino was locking up the car wash where he and his younger brother work when he heard someone yelling. He saw 36-year-old Bryce Thayer, who was allegedly under the influence of methamphetamine, approaching them with an axe. Pino told Thayer to leave, but when he refused, Pino used his MMA training to take Thayer to the ground, control him, and hold him in a rear naked choke until police arrived. The Marion County Sheriff's Office was so impressed by Pino's actions that they offered him a job on the spot, though he declined since he is already enlisted in the military.

  • On Sunday night, March 10, 2026, the incident occurred at the car wash in Ocala, Florida.

The players

Leodan Pino

An 18-year-old military recruit who used his MMA skills to subdue an axe-wielding man and protect his younger brother.

Bryce Thayer

A 36-year-old man who allegedly approached the teens while wielding an axe and under the influence of methamphetamine.

Marion County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that was impressed by Pino's actions and offered him a job on the spot.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Once he lowered, that's when I shot the take-down, and I got on top of him and I controlled the situation.”

— Leodan Pino, Military recruit

“Once I realized he wasn't letting go, that's when I threw a couple elbows until he was incapacitated. I got him to his back, put him in a body triangle, held a rear naked choke on him and waited until the cops got there.”

— Leodan Pino, Military recruit

“I'm just happy that I was able to protect my brother.”

— Leodan Pino, Military recruit

What’s next

The Marion County Sheriff's Office will likely continue their investigation into the incident and Bryce Thayer's actions. Thayer is facing charges for two counts of felony aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The takeaway

This incident demonstrates the importance of self-defense training, especially for young people working in public-facing jobs. Leodan Pino's quick thinking and MMA skills likely prevented a serious assault and potentially saved his brother's life.