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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.