Records: Michael Hightower Admitted Attacking Elderly Ormond Beach Couple Before Shooting Officer

Newly released records detail the violent actions of Michael Hightower, the man accused of attacking an elderly Ormond Beach couple and later shooting an Ormond Beach police officer inside a Daytona Beach hospital. Police said 40-year-old Michael Hightower admitted he had been stealing from Daytona College, where he worked as a contracted employee. He attacked Nancy and Roger Bradley because he believed they would call 911.

Investigators stated Hightower ran over the couple with a car before punching and kicking them, including multiple kicks to their heads. The Bradleys were found badly injured outside their business last Sunday and remain hospitalized. Manny Manolas, owner of Manny’s Pizza House next to Daytona College, has known the couple for over 20 years. He said Nancy and Roger were regular customers with a favorite table at his restaurant. Manolas expressed his shock, stating, “our hearts just fell to the floor and we just started praying” when he learned what happened.

Investigators reported Hightower later saw photos of the Bradleys bleeding at the scene. He put his head down and apologized. However, the violence continued after his arrest. Authorities took Hightower to AdventHealth Daytona Beach for medical clearance after officers tased him and he crashed his car. Records detail the events inside the hospital.

Police said Hightower was handcuffed to a hospital bed. Before a CT scan, his cuffs were moved to the front. Officer Austin Long told investigators that as he was uncuffing Hightower, Hightower immediately reached for Long's holstered gun. Long began striking Hightower in the head to get him off the weapon while another officer also tried to intervene. According to the arrest affidavit, Hightower defeated the holster’s two-step retention system, partially pulled the gun out, put his finger on the trigger, and fired. The bullet struck Officer Long in the leg. Hightower continued fighting with officers after the shooting, including spitting on multiple officers.