Volusia County Circuit Court Judge John Smith on Tuesday ordered 40‑year‑old Michael Hightower to remain in custody without bond after a violent incident that left an Ormond Beach police officer wounded and an elderly couple critically injured.
Charges and courtroom proceedings
According to court records, Hightower faces multiple felony counts, including aggravated assault on the 74‑year‑old Nancy Bradley and 79‑year‑old Roger Bradley, as well as the attempted murder of an Ormond Beach police officer. The officer, whose name has not been released, was shot in the leg during the confrontation.
During the hearing, prosecutors argued that Hightower poses a continued threat to public safety and should remain detained until trial. “He’s not entitled to bond,” the prosecutor said. The public defender requested that the court consider a bond, noting Hightower’s prior release on bond for an unrelated traffic incident in April, but the judge declined.
Hospital incident and officer’s recovery
After the attack, Hightower was taken to AdventHealth for medical evaluation. While undergoing a CT scan, hospital staff asked that his handcuffs be moved to the front of his body. When a cuff was removed, court documents state Hightower struggled with an officer, seized the officer’s firearm, and fired a shot that struck the officer’s leg.
The injured officer has since been released from the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery. The Bradleys, however, remain in critical condition at a local medical facility.
Hospital‑law enforcement coordination under scrutiny
Daytona Beach Police Chief Michael Smith publicly criticized the delay in medically clearing Hightower, saying it hindered law‑enforcement’s ability to transport the suspect to jail promptly. “…this coordination did not occur as it should have. Officers were actively attempting to control an extremely combative individual while waiting for the physician,” Chief Smith said.
AdventHealth responded, emphasizing patient safety and stating that staff regularly train for emergency situations. “The safety of our patients, visitors and team members is our top priority,” a spokesperson said, adding that the hospital is cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
Legal background and future proceedings
Hightower was placed on suicide watch during the hearing, indicated by a blue vest he wore in court. He has a criminal history that includes an April arrest for allegedly leaving the scene of a crash, for which he was previously released on bond. Prosecutors disclosed that a judge signed an order revoking that bond earlier this week.
The case is set to continue with a preliminary hearing scheduled for next month. If convicted, Hightower could face significant prison time under Florida’s felony statutes.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
