Florida Deputy Survives Ambush After Bullet Hits Chest-Worn Body Camera
Deputy Jose Rivera of the Volusia County Sheriff's Office survived an ambush on March 1 in Deltona, Florida, after a bullet struck his chest-worn body camera and deflected, officials said. Deputy Jose Rivera
Rivera was struck by gunfire and was airlifted to a hospital for treatment of nonfatal injuries. Authorities say they arrested 42-year-old Luis Diaz Polanco at the scene and that investigators believe the gun used was bought illegally about a month earlier. Luis Diaz Polanco
The episode traces back to months of troubling behavior by Polanco, who faced a 2024 battery arrest after allegedly throwing elderly Lyft passengers and who earlier pointed a gun at someone. He was taken for a mental health evaluation in June 2025, diagnosed with schizophrenia, and reportedly was off his medication before the March 1 confrontation. That morning he argued with his mother and confronted her friend while armed, damaged the friend's car, and prompted a call for criminal mischief. mental health evaluation
Last year saw 67 ambush-style attacks on law enforcement, with 90 officers shot and 22 killed, underscoring the danger deputies face. Officials and online posts praised Rivera's composure and credited the body-worn camera and fellow deputies for saving his life as he recovered and later returned home from the hospital. body-worn camera
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📊 Relevant Data
In 2025, there were 67 ambush-style attacks on law enforcement officers in the United States, resulting in 90 officers shot and 22 officers killed. ([Fraternal Order of Police](https://fop.net/2026/01/violence-against-officers-in-2025)) ([Fraternal Order of Police](https://fop.net/2026/01/violence-against-officers-in-2025)) ([Fraternal Order of Police](https://fop.net/2026/01/violence-against-officers-in-2025)) ([Fraternal Order of Police](https://fop.net/2026/01/violence-against-officers-in-2025))
Violence Against Officers in 2025 — Fraternal Order of Police
Luis Diaz Polanco told investigators he purchased the gun used in the shooting illegally from an unidentified person approximately one month prior to the incident. ([The Daytona Beach News-Journal](https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/courts/2026/04/22/deltona-man-who-shot-deputy-says-bought-gun-illegally/89715710007)) ([The Daytona Beach News-Journal](https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/courts/2026/04/22/deltona-man-who-shot-deputy-says-bought-gun-illegally/89715710007)) ([The Daytona Beach News-Journal](https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/courts/2026/04/22/deltona-man-who-shot-deputy-says-bought-gun-illegally/89715710007)) ([The Daytona Beach News-Journal](https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/courts/2026/04/22/deltona-man-who-shot-deputy-says-bought-gun-illegally/89715710007))
Deltona man accused of shooting deputy says he bought gun illegally — The Daytona Beach News-Journal
📌 Key Facts
- Incident occurred March 1, 2026, in Volusia County, Florida, during an assault and battery investigation.
- Suspect Luis Diaz Polanco allegedly retrieved a handgun and opened fire on Deputies Jose Rivera and a trainee.
- A bullet struck Rivera’s chest-mounted body camera and ricocheted, while he was also hit in the leg and shoulder.
- Rivera was pulled to safety by fellow deputies, received tourniquets, and is expected to make a full recovery.
- Polanco was arrested and charged with attempted murder and allegedly told police he intended to kill the deputies.
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