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Elderly Couple Critically Injured in Florida Attack; Officer Shot at Hospital by Suspect

The 40-year-old Daytona Beach man is accused of attacking an elderly couple and later shooting an officer in the leg, police said.

  • On Monday, suspect Michael Hightower shot Ormond Beach Police Officer Austin Long in the leg during a struggle at AdventHealth Daytona Beach while undergoing medical clearance.
  • Earlier on Sunday, Hightower allegedly attacked a 79-year-old man and 74-year-old woman at Daytona College after the couple responded to a burglary alarm at the location.
  • Daytona Beach Police Chief Jakari Young reported the shooting occurred as officers attempted to restrain Hightower for an MRI; he grabbed the officer's holstered firearm, firing one round that struck Long's leg.
  • Chief Young criticized the emergency room physician's 'hostile and dismissive' behavior toward his officers, though AdventHealth leadership has contacted the department to cooperate with a full review.
  • Hightower remains in the Volusia County Jail without bail, facing charges including attempted first-degree murder, while Officer Long is expected to make a full recovery.
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FOX13news broke the news in Florida, United States on Monday, September 21, 2026.
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