An Ormond Beach police officer was shot at AdventHealth Daytona Beach, according to the Ormond Beach Police Department. 40-year-old Michael Hightower of Daytona Beach is in custody.
Hightower has been charged with two counts of attempted felony murder, attempted first degree murder on a law enforcement officer, two counts of battery on specified personnel, and one count each of resisting arrest with violence and assault on a law enforcement officer. He remains in custody at the Volusia County Branch Jail as of Tuesday with no bond.
The incident began after a burglary alarm was activated at Daytona College in Ormond Beach (not to be confused with Daytona State College) on Sunday. A 79-year-old man and a 74-year-old woman came to check on the burglary alarm, and found a 'suspicious vehicle' parked outside according to the OBPD.
While standing outside the pair placed a call to the Volusia Sheriff's Office. It was shortly after this that Hightower was said to have gotten into his car and hit the woman with it. Afterward he allegedly got back out of the vehicle and hit and kicked both of them several times.
The assault took place at about 6:43 p.m., and emergency responders arrived at around 6:50 p.m. according to police. Both victims were hospitalized for treatment, having been listed in critical condition.
After the assault on the first two victims, multiple law enforcement agencies responded to track down the suspect. He was reportedly located at the 300 block of Clyde Morris Boulevard at around 7:37 p.m. Hightower was brought to the Ormond Beach Police Department to be questioned, and then transported to AdventHealth Daytona Beach for a medical evaluation.
Hightower was still being treated at the hospital into the early hours of Monday morning. At around 3:20 a.m. Monday, police say a physical altercation began with the officer who was guarding him. Hightower was said to have grabbed the officer's gun and fired a shot into his leg.
Fortunately, the officer's injuries were said to be non-life-threatening. He is expected to make a full recovery. Investigations are ongoing into both the assault on the elderly couple and the shooting of the Ormond Beach police officer.
“First and foremost, our thoughts are with the couple and our officer as they recover from this heinous incident,” said Ormond Beach Police Chief Jesse Godfrey. “We are incredibly thankful for the swift response and assistance from our neighboring agencies. The Volusia Sheriff’s Office and Holly Hill Police Department were key in helping us locate and take the suspect into custody. We’re grateful for the assistance of the Daytona Beach Police Department as we work together to hold the suspect accountable.”
Michael Hightower has one other booking on record at the Volusia County Branch Jail. On August 6, 2026 he was arrested for leaving the scene of a crash with injury. Hightower posted his $15,000 bond the following day and was released from custody.
