A 36-year-old Ocala man was arrested at a local car wash after he reportedly threatened two employees while wielding an axe.
At around 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 8, Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to Tidal Wave Auto Spa located on SW 95th Street Road in Ocala after receiving reports of an altercation, according to MCSO.
When the deputies arrived at the car wash, they observed an 18-year-old employee restraining a male suspect who was identified as Bryce James Thayer.
According to MCSO, an investigation revealed that the two employees were approached by Thayer as they were preparing to close the car wash. They then instructed Thayer to leave the business, which reportedly made him “irate.”
MCSO released video footage of the incident, which shows Thayer approaching the two employees while holding an axe. Moments later, Thayer is observed pointing the axe in the direction of the employees.
In response, the 18-year-old employee charged at Thayer, tackling him to the ground.
The second employee managed to gain possession of the axe while the 18-year-old restrained Thayer until law enforcement arrived.
Shortly after arriving at the car wash, the deputies detained Thayer in handcuffs. He is heard on the video footage telling the deputies that he “didn’t do anything.”
During a pat-down search of Thayer, deputies allegedly found drug paraphernalia in his possession.
Thayer was placed under arrest and booked into Marion County Jail, where he remains in custody. Jail records show that his bond has been set at $65,000, and he is facing the following charges: two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill and one count of possessing drug paraphernalia.
On Tuesday, April 14, Thayer is scheduled to appear in a Marion County courtroom at 9 a.m.