Deputy Jose Rivera survived a close-range shooting in Deltona, Florida, after a bullet struck his body-worn camera and then hit his shoulder and leg. The suspect, Luis Diaz Polanco, fired 12 rounds; Rivera returned fire six times while retreating. Polanco is charged with two counts of attempted first-degree murder of law enforcement officers and is being held without bond. Rivera was hospitalized, released, and is expected to make a full recovery.
Florida Deputy Survives After Body Camera Absorbs Bullet; Suspect Used AI Chatbot, Sheriff Says
Credit: Volusia Sheriff's Office/Facebook
A Volusia County deputy survived a close-range shooting after a bullet struck and was partially absorbed by his body-worn camera, an impact authorities say likely saved his life.
What Happened
Deputy Jose Rivera was shot in the shoulder and leg on March 2 while responding to a report of a damaged vehicle at a residence on Candler Drive in Deltona, Florida, Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood said. When deputies approached the home, the suspect opened fire.
Credit: Volusia Sheriff's Office/Facebook
"The bullet hits the body camera dead center. It takes a round through the body camera — which we believe then ricochets through his shoulder. Another shot hits his leg," Sheriff Chitwood said.
According to the sheriff, the suspect, identified as Luis Diaz Polanco, fired 12 rounds. Deputy Rivera returned fire six times while retreating. Body-camera video released by the sheriff's office shows fellow officers applying a tourniquet to Rivera and rushing him into a patrol vehicle for transport to a hospital.
Investigation and Charges
Polanco was taken into custody at the scene. He faces two counts of attempted first-degree murder of a law enforcement officer with a firearm and is being held without bond, the sheriff's office said.
Credit: Volusia Sheriff's Office/Facebook
Investigators said Polanco had used a Spanish-language AI chatbot weeks before the shooting to ask whether he could legally kill someone who entered his property. Sheriff Chitwood said the chatbot provided information about Florida's "Stand Your Ground" law. Chitwood added that Polanco later told deputies he intended to shoot the officers.
Deputy Rivera's Condition
Rivera was treated at a hospital and released on Wednesday. Sheriff Chitwood said Rivera, who joined the sheriff's office in 2023, is expected to make a full recovery. Chitwood also noted Rivera is a U.S. Army veteran and a father of three young children.
The Volusia County Sheriff's Office released body-camera footage showing the immediate medical response, underscoring the role of the camera both as evidence and, in this case, a fortuitous barrier that may have reduced the severity of the wound.
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