An Ormond Beach police officer was shot in the leg at a Daytona Beach hospital while struggling with a suspect in the attack on an elderly Ormond Beach couple, officials said.
In a joint news conference with Daytona Beach Police Chief Jakari Young on Monday, Ormond Beach Police Chief Robert “Jesse” Godfrey said the officer, identified as Austin Long, was assigned to guard 40-year-old Michael Hightower after he was arrested in connection with an attack on an elderly couple at Daytona College in Ormond Beach.
During an MRI at AdventHealth Daytona Beach, Hightower struggled with officers and reached for Long’s gun, which was in its holster. Hightower was able to remove the weapon far enough to fire one shot, striking Long in the leg.
Other officers subdued Hightower before he could gain full control of the gun, said Godfrey. No medical staff or other officers were injured.
A spokesperson for AdventHealth released this statement:
“The safety of our patients, visitors and team members is always our highest priority. We are grateful for the swift actions of those who responded and our hearts are with everyone affected by this incident. We are supporting local law enforcement as its investigation continues, and all inquiries should be directed to local authorities.”
AdventHealth spokesperson
Officer Long was taken to Halifax Health and is expected to make a full recovery. Long has been with the Ormond Beach Police Department for eight years and is assigned as a K-9 handler.
“He’s in good spirits,” said Godfrey. ”His family was with him when we last saw him.”
The hospital shooting followed an incident Sunday at Daytona College on South Nova Road. Police said a 79-year-old man and a 74-year-old woman arrived at the business around 4:30 p.m. and found evidence of trespassing, including a vehicle and items that did not belong there.
The couple contacted family members and later called 911 after a confrontation with Hightower, police said. A 911 recording captured sounds of a crash and a physical struggle in the background, officials said.
The couple was found injured outside the business. Police have not released details about the extent of their injuries or their names.
Hightower fled after his vehicle became disabled but was arrested about an hour later near Clyde Morris Boulevard and Hand Avenue in Daytona Beach. Police said neighborhood video helped investigators track his movements.
Hightower was taken to the police department for an interview before being transported to the hospital for medical clearance. He was also reportedly injured in a crash and had been subdued with a Taser during his arrest.
Ormond Beach police charged Hightower with two counts of attempted felony murder.
Daytona Beach police are investigating the hospital shooting. Young said he also plans to conduct a full review of hospital procedures surrounding the incident.