Volusia County Deputy Jose Rivera survived a close-range shooting Monday night in Deltona, Florida, when a bullet struck his body-worn camera dead center, likely saving his life before ricocheting into his shoulder; another round hit his leg.
The Ambush
- Rivera and a rookie deputy investigated vehicle damage on Candler Drive.
- Suspect Luis Diaz Polanco, 30s, opened fire from inside with 12 rounds as they approached; Rivera returned six shots while retreating down the driveway.
- Bodycam shows comrades applying a tourniquet before rushing him to hospital—released Wednesday, full recovery expected. Father of three, Army vet, eager to return.
Suspect’s Intent
- Polanco confessed he planned to shoot deputies; weeks prior, he queried a Spanish AI chatbot on Florida’s Stand Your Ground law for killing property intruders.
- Charged with two counts attempted first-degree murder of LEOs with firearm; held without bond.
Sheriff Mike Chitwood hailed the bodycam’s role and Rivera’s grit. This deputy survival flips your recent LEO/targeted threads like the SC trooper shooting—tech and training turning the tide. Heroic stuff.
