Author: Benny Greenspan | Wild About Trial
On March 8, 2026, in Marion County, Florida, a 36-year-old man named Bryce Thayer approached two carwash employees wielding an ax.
A video of the incident showed Thayer approach the employees just outside the carwash, “in a threatening manner,” which seems obvious considering he was wielding an axe upon his approach. The carwash employees afterward said Thayer was yelling, asking where his wife was. One of the employees, an 18-year-old man, Leodan Pino, out of fear for his life, decided to then rush Thayer before Thayer had the opportunity to utilize the axe. Pino punched Thayer multiple times and tackled him to the ground, while the second employee attempted to take the axe away. Luckily, none of the victims were significantly hurt, and authorities then came on to the scene to arrest Thayer.
Since his arrest, Thayer is now being charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Aggravated assault is defined in Florida Statutes § 784.02, and can be done with an intent to kill or to commit a felony. It is considered a third-degree felony, which contains a maximum prison sentence of 5 years, along with a maximum 5 year probation term and up to a $5,000 fine. In order to be convicted, the victims would need to have fear of imminent harm in the situation, which both carwash employees seemingly had.
Possession of drug paraphernalia is defined in Florida Statutes § 893.147. To be convicted of this crime, there must be an “intent to use,” whether that is to grow or prepare an illegal drug or ingest or inhale one. Possession of drug paraphernalia is considered a first-degree misdemeanor, meaning the highest imprisonment term is 1 year.
So Mr. Thayer is looking at a high term of 6 years imprisonment along with a possible fine and probation term. Considering one of the charges is relating to drug possession, the sentence would likely include admission into a rehabilitation center or similar treatment program.
