Police say a 40-year-old man attacked the husband and wife before fleeing, setting off a multi-agency search and arrest.
ORMOND BEACH, Fla. — A husband and wife in their 70s were critically injured after police say they encountered a man while checking a burglary alarm at Daytona College, beginning a chain of events that later included the shooting of an officer at a hospital.
Ormond Beach police said the 79-year-old man and 74-year-old woman went to the college at 425 S. Nova Road on Sept. 20 after receiving an alarm notification. Authorities said the couple noticed a suspicious vehicle and found items inside the building that did not appear to belong there. They went outside and contacted law enforcement. Police later identified the suspect as Michael Hightower, 40, of Daytona Beach.
Investigators allege Hightower came out of the building, entered a vehicle and struck the woman with it. Police said he then got out and attacked both members of the couple before leaving the area on foot. Officers and medical personnel who arrived shortly afterward found the two victims critically injured and had them transported to a hospital.
Police have not released the couple’s names. Ormond Beach Police Chief Jesse Godfrey said during a Sept. 21 news conference that the department was withholding their identities out of respect for the family. The husband and wife remained hospitalized in critical condition when authorities provided their latest detailed public update.
Authorities said the couple had been performing a routine check of the property. Investigators also said Hightower was believed to be connected to the company contracted to provide cleaning services at the college. An arrest affidavit cited by local media said a worker with Hightower’s name had been assigned to the location. Police have not suggested that employment status establishes responsibility for the alleged crimes.
A search involving several agencies followed the attack. Police said officers located Hightower on foot at about 7:37 p.m. in the 300 block of Clyde Morris Boulevard and took him into custody. Authorities said he had been involved in a vehicle crash and was subdued with a Taser while officers attempted to apprehend him.
After questioning, Hightower was taken to AdventHealth Daytona Beach for a medical evaluation. Hours later, authorities said, he struggled with Ormond Beach Officer Austin Long while being prepared for an MRI. Police said Hightower reached Long’s holstered handgun and pulled it far enough for a round to fire, striking Long in the leg. Other officers subdued Hightower.
Long’s injuries were described as non-life-threatening, and police said he is expected to make a full recovery. The hospital shooting became a separate investigation led by the Daytona Beach Police Department, while Ormond Beach police continued handling the case involving the couple.
Ormond Beach police said Hightower faces two counts of attempted felony murder in connection with the alleged attack on the husband and wife. Additional charges were reported in connection with the hospital confrontation, including offenses involving violence against law enforcement personnel. All charges are allegations, and Hightower has not been convicted in connection with the Sept. 20-21 events.
Police said the investigations remain active. The couple’s latest detailed condition was critical, while Long was expected to recover. Authorities have not announced a final investigative finding explaining what led to the initial confrontation at Daytona College.
Author note: Last updated September 22, 2026.