A Florida deputy is alive today after a bullet fired at close range struck his body-worn camera — a split-second impact authorities believe saved his life.
Volusia County Deputy Jose Rivera was shot Monday night while responding to a call in Deltona. What unfolded next was a terrifying exchange of gunfire that left Rivera wounded — but alive — thanks in part to the equipment mounted on his chest.
Gunfire Erupts as Deputies Approach Home
Deputies had arrived at a residence on Candler Drive to investigate a report of a damaged vehicle. As they approached the house, the suspect — identified as Luis Diaz Polanco — allegedly opened fire.
According to Sheriff Mike Chitwood, ballistic evidence shows a trail of shell casings stretching from the front door down the driveway, indicating the suspect continued firing as Deputy Rivera retreated toward his patrol vehicle.
Polanco allegedly fired 12 rounds, while Rivera returned fire six times as he attempted to move to safety.
Body Camera Takes Direct Hit
During the exchange, one bullet struck Rivera directly in the chest — but instead of penetrating his torso, it hit his body camera.
“The bullet hits the body camera dead center,” Sheriff Chitwood explained during a news briefing. Authorities believe the round then ricocheted into Rivera’s shoulder. Another bullet struck his leg.
The body camera absorbed the initial impact, likely preventing what could have been a fatal chest wound.
Race to Save the Deputy
Body-camera footage later released shows fellow deputies rushing to Rivera’s side. Officers quickly applied a tourniquet to his leg before placing him into a patrol car and transporting him to the hospital.
Rivera was hospitalized with shoulder and leg injuries but was released Wednesday. Officials say he is expected to make a full recovery.
He joined the sheriff’s office in 2023 and is a U.S. Army veteran and father of three young children. According to the sheriff, Rivera is already eager to return to duty.
Suspect Allegedly Researched Killing Laws Before Shooting
Investigators revealed a disturbing detail during the investigation. Weeks before the shooting, Polanco had reportedly used a Spanish-language AI chatbot to ask whether he could legally kill someone who entered his property.
Authorities say the chatbot provided a definition of Florida’s Stand Your Ground law.
Following his arrest, Polanco allegedly told deputies he had intended to shoot them when they approached the home.
“When the deputies came up to the house, he had every intention to shoot them,” Sheriff Chitwood said.
Charges Filed
Polanco has been charged with two counts of attempted first-degree murder of a law enforcement officer with a firearm and is being held without bond.
A Close Call With a Powerful Reminder
The incident underscores the unpredictable dangers law enforcement officers face daily — and in this case, how a piece of equipment designed for transparency and accountability may have played a lifesaving role.
Deputy Rivera is now recovering with his family at his side, grateful for what officials describe as a miracle outcome in a situation that could have ended very differently.
