BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WTVY) -A 19-year-old Houston Academy graduate wounded in a shootout with law enforcement is expected to face serious charges.
The shooting happened late Wednesday after Florida Highway Patrol troopers pursued a vehicle across Panama City. Troopers stopped the BMW using a Precision Immobilization Technique maneuver along U.S. 98 at Tyndall Air Force Base, FHP said.
FHP released this photo showing a damaged cruiser following an alleged shootout on June 24, 2026.(FHP)
Several family acquaintances identified the driver to WTVY as Cooper Gammon Coffman. FHP, who has not publicly identified the suspect, said he got out of the vehicle and fired multiple shots from an AR-15-style rifle at troopers and their vehicles.
Officers returned fire, striking Coffman. He was taken to the hospital with what acquaintances described as critical injuries and remains hospitalized.
FHP released photos of the alleged rifle and damaged cruiser.
Coffman grew up in Dothan and graduated from Houston Academy in 2025 but now lives in Florida. His driver’s license as of February listed an address in Watersound, a community between Panama City and Destin.
FHP said Friday the investigation is ongoing and additional information will be released when it is complete. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is also investigating the shooting, per policy.
Houston Academy postS to the school’s Facebook account shows that Coffman excelled in his studies and athletics.
FHP is expected to reveal charges following their investigation.
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