In a surprising incident, a teen Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner defended himself and immobilized a man he suspected of attempting to steal his car right outside his MMA gym in Indianapolis. The accused, however, argued that it was a mere miscommunication.
A recent video from the 10th Planet Brazilian Jiu Jitsu institute captures the intense encounter between the 18-year-old athlete, Gavin Archer, and Andrew Wilkerson, an auto mechanic, as reported by WISH-TV.
The footage illustrates a verbal altercation unfolding outside the gym before Archer reenters the building, warning Wilkerson, who claimed he was just about to take Archer’s car for a muffler shop check next door.
The situation escalated when Wilkerson reportedly advanced towards Archer, who skillfully avoided an attack, restrained the man, and grounded him.
The altercation led to Archer gaining superior control and throwing punches at the mechanic.
Shortly thereafter, Archer put Wilkerson in a chokehold and moved him out of view from the camera.
Wilkerson later explained to the media that he mistook Archer’s car for one he was supposed to inspect, leading to the confrontation.
“Don’t go anywhere. I’m calling the cops,” Wilkerson recalled Archer saying.
Having been familiar with the gym’s reputation, Wilkerson was wary.
“I knew this guy was a trained fighter, so when he ordered me not to leave, I didn’t want to turn my back. I raised my voice and took a step forward, which may have been perceived as aggression, so he retaliated,” Wilkerson stated.
Contrarily, Archer claims it was Wilkerson who instigated the fight.
Archer emphasized the importance of defusing hostile situations peacefully when discussing self-defense philosophies.
“The ideal self-defense is to escape danger, but you must be prepared to defend yourself if that’s not an option,” the teen explained.
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department acknowledged that a report was filed regarding the event but did not result in any arrests.
Archer has informed local WRTV about his intentions to press charges against Wilkerson, who has since been terminated from his job at the muffler shop.
FAQ about the Incident
Who was involved in the altercation outside the MMA gym?
Gavin Archer, a teen Brazilian Jiu Jitsu blue belt, and Andrew Wilkerson, a mechanic, were involved in the incident.
Did the suspect intend to steal the car?
Andrew Wilkerson claims it was a misunderstanding, as he believed Archer’s car was the one he was supposed to inspect for the muffler shop next door.
Was anybody injured or arrested during the altercation?
There is no report of serious injury, and no one was arrested, although a police report was filed.
Will charges be pressed?
Gavin Archer has indicated plans to file charges against Andrew Wilkerson.
What happened to Andrew Wilkerson after the incident?
He was let go from his employment at the muffler shop.