Military Recruit Subdues Ax-Wielding Suspect at Florida Car Wash

18-year-old Leodan Pino used MMA skills to take down the suspect and protect his brother.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 1:18pm

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An 18-year-old military recruit is being praised for using his MMA training to subdue an ax-wielding suspect who allegedly threatened him and his 16-year-old brother at a Florida car wash. Leodan Pino sprung into action when 36-year-old Bryce Thayer pulled an ax from his backpack and pointed it at the brothers. Pino was able to take Thayer down with an MMA move and hold him until police arrived.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the importance of proper training and quick thinking in dangerous confrontations. Pino's military background and MMA skills likely prevented a potentially tragic situation at the car wash. The case also raises questions about mental health, drug use, and public safety in the local community.

The details

According to police, Thayer allegedly threatened the brothers after they told him to leave the car wash. Pino said he "shot the take-down" on Thayer after he lowered the ax, then "got on top of him and controlled the situation." Pino held Thayer in a "body triangle" and "rear naked choke" until authorities arrived. Police later found a meth pipe on Thayer and charged him with felony aggravated assault and drug paraphernalia possession.

  • The incident occurred on March 12, 2026 at a car wash in Orlando, Florida.

The players

Leodan Pino

An 18-year-old military recruit who used his MMA training to subdue the ax-wielding suspect and protect his younger brother.

Bryce Thayer

A 36-year-old man who allegedly threatened the Pino brothers with an ax at the car wash before being subdued by Leodan Pino.

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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. 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 (FOX 35 Orlando)

“I'm thankful that I was the one closing on my brother and no one else was because I'm not too sure if any other of my coworkers would have done the same thing as I would have. I'm just happy that I was able to protect my brother.”

— Leodan Pino, Military Recruit (FOX 35 Orlando)

What’s next

Police are continuing to investigate the incident and Thayer's mental state and drug use. The Pino brothers may be recognized for their bravery in protecting themselves and others.

The takeaway

This case underscores the importance of proper training and preparedness, even in everyday situations. Pino's military background and MMA skills likely prevented a much more serious outcome, highlighting the value of self-defense education and the role it can play in community safety.