Daytona Beach police arrested 26-year-old Steven Ott of Port Orange on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, and charged him with attempted murder after a 2 a.m. shootout at Froggy’s Saloon on Main Street left two people critically injured, including Ott himself. The gunfight erupted early Monday, October 12, just days before the city’s Biketoberfest rally was set to bring more than 100,000 visitors to town.
TL;DR: Police say the shooting started as an altercation between two armed individuals who exchanged gunfire inside or just outside the saloon. A bystander then pulled a gun and fired multiple rounds too. Two people were found with gunshot wounds and remain in critical condition at Halifax Health Medical Center.
Gunfight on Main Street
According to the Daytona Beach News-Journal, citing police, the shooting unfolded around 2 a.m. on October 12 at the popular Main Street bar. Officers responding to the scene found one victim at the corner of South Grandview Avenue and Main Street suffering from gunshot wounds, and located Ott nearby on Grandview Avenue, also wounded.
Both men were rushed to Halifax Health Medical Center, where police said they remained in critical condition. Ott was taken into custody and formally charged with attempted murder on October 13, police announced.
Bystander also fired
Police said the shootout began as an altercation between two armed individuals who exchanged gunfire. As the exchange unfolded, a bystander pulled out a firearm and fired multiple rounds as well, according to the police account.
Investigators had not said whether the bystander faced any charges. The role each person played in the gunfight remained under investigation, and police released few additional details about what sparked the original argument.
Days before Biketoberfest
The timing drew attention because the shooting happened just days before Biketoberfest, the fall motorcycle rally set for October 15-18. The event is expected to draw between 100,000 and 125,000 attendees to Daytona Beach and surrounding areas, with Main Street considered “ground zero” for rally activity, the News-Journal reported.
Police did not suggest the rally was connected to the shootout. But the prospect of heavy crowds descending on the same stretch of Main Street days later put extra scrutiny on the investigation.
Ott, who was also injured in the exchange, remains hospitalized in critical condition. Because he has only been charged, his case will proceed through the Florida court system, where prosecutors must prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.
What comes next
Detectives said the investigation into the gunfight remained active. Police asked anyone who was at or near Froggy’s Saloon around 2 a.m. Monday, or who may have recorded video of the altercation, to contact the Daytona Beach Police Department.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Froggy’s Saloon?
Froggy’s Saloon is on Main Street in Daytona Beach, Florida. Main Street is considered “ground zero” for Daytona Beach’s big motorcycle rallies, including Biketoberfest.
Who was arrested in the Froggy’s Saloon shootout?
Daytona Beach police said they arrested Steven Ott, 26, of Port Orange, on October 13, 2026. Ott was found with gunshot wounds at the scene and was charged with attempted murder.
How many people were hurt?
Two people were critically injured, including Ott himself. Police found one victim at the corner of South Grandview Avenue and Main Street and located Ott nearby on Grandview Avenue. Both were taken to Halifax Health Medical Center in critical condition.
What started the gunfight?
Police said the shooting stemmed from an altercation between two armed individuals, who exchanged gunfire. A bystander then pulled out a firearm and fired multiple rounds as well, police said.
Was the bystander who fired charged?
Police said it was not immediately known whether the bystander had been charged. The shooting remained under investigation as of the October 13 announcement.
Is this connected to Biketoberfest?
The shooting took place just days before Biketoberfest, scheduled for October 15-18, an event expected to draw 100,000 to 125,000 attendees to Daytona Beach. Police did not say the rally was connected to the shootout.
What is attempted murder in Florida?
In general terms, attempted murder in Florida is prosecuted as a serious felony that can carry a lengthy prison sentence on conviction. Ott has only been charged; the case will go through the court process, and a jury would decide guilt.
