Photo: Volusia County Sheriff’s Office
A Volusia County sheriff’s deputy in Deltona, Florida survived a close-range shooting last month after his body camera deflected a bullet aimed at his chest, according to newly released footage and law enforcement officials. The incident occurred on Sunday (March 1) as Jose Rivera and a deputy trainee responded to a call for an assault and battery investigation.
As reported by the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office and shown in body camera video, Rivera and his partner attempted to speak with a suspect at a residence. The suspect, identified as Luis Diaz Polanco, initially ran back inside the house, then quickly returned and opened fire at close range on the deputies.
One of the bullets struck Rivera’s body-worn camera, likely preventing a fatal injury. Sheriff Mike Chitwood said, "There is no doubt in my mind he had every intention when those deputies knocked on that door to kill them." Additional shots hit Rivera in the arm and thigh. He was initially believed to have suffered two gunshot wounds, but medical assessments now indicate he was hit three times.
Investigators say Polanco confessed to the attack and admitted he was not taking his medication for schizophrenia at the time. Authorities had been warned by Polanco’s mother about his violent tendencies and history of missing medication. The full bodycam footage documents the moment Rivera was shot and his immediate reaction before the camera was disabled by the impact.
Rivera required additional medical treatment after the incident but is currently recovering at home. Polanco has pleaded not guilty to two counts of attempted murder and is scheduled to appear in court next month. The investigation is ongoing, and the sheriff’s office says the evidence strongly supports the case against Polanco.