The Sunday night closure of a quiet Ocala car wash shattered into chaos when a man, wielding an ax, aggressively advanced toward two teenage brothers. Leodan Pino, 18, and his 16-year-old sibling were preparing to lock up for the night, unaware of the danger rapidly approaching.
Security footage released by authorities captured the unsettling encounter. Bryce Thayer, 36, initially approached the brothers, and when asked to leave the property, reportedly erupted in anger. His threatening demeanor quickly escalated as he brandished a fully-sized ax taken from his backpack.
“He’s obviously not in the right state of mind,” Pino recalled, describing the unsettling scene. He attempted to de-escalate, firmly requesting Thayer to leave, but the man’s aggression only intensified, the ax now pointed directly at him.
Without hesitation, Pino, an 18-year-old MMA-trained military recruit, reacted instinctively. He launched himself at Thayer, initiating a takedown maneuver honed through rigorous training. His younger brother simultaneously worked to disarm the attacker, wrenching the ax from his grasp.
The ensuing struggle was swift and decisive. Pino secured a dominant position, utilizing his mixed martial arts skills to control Thayer. He delivered calculated strikes until the man was subdued, maintaining a tight hold until law enforcement arrived.
Photographs taken after the arrest revealed the brutal impact of the confrontation. Thayer’s face bore significant bruising, a stark testament to the force Pino employed to neutralize the threat. Pino, reflecting on the incident, stated simply, “He got what he deserved.”
A subsequent search during Thayer’s arrest uncovered a glass pipe commonly associated with methamphetamine use. He now faces multiple charges, including two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and possession of drug paraphernalia, and is currently held on an $11,000 bond.
Records indicate this wasn’t Thayer’s first encounter with law enforcement in Marion County. He had been arrested four times since May 2024 on a variety of charges, painting a picture of escalating instability.
Pino expressed profound gratitude for his training and the opportunity to protect his brother. He acknowledged the potential consequences had anyone else been closing the car wash that night, believing his skills were crucial in preventing a far more tragic outcome.
“I’m very thankful that God gave me the opportunity and gave me the strength to be able to control that situation,” Pino stated. His quick thinking and decisive action undoubtedly averted a potentially devastating attack, safeguarding both himself and his brother.
