Florida Deputy Survives Ambush After Bullet Hits Chest-Worn Body Camera
Deputy Jose Rivera of the Volusia County Sheriff's Office survived an ambush in Deltona, Florida, on March 1, 2026, when a bullet struck his chest-worn body camera and deflected, preventing a fatal chest wound. He was shot and airlifted to a hospital for treatment; authorities say he is recovering.
Police have identified the shooter as Luis Diaz Polanco. Social media posts from the sheriff's account and others credited the body camera and Rivera's fellow deputies with saving his life. A U.S. congressman praised Rivera's composure and said he helped direct others and treat his wounds after the attack.
The episode traces back to months of troubling behavior by Polanco. He faced an August 2024 arrest after allegedly throwing two elderly Lyft passengers from a car and was previously reported to have pointed a gun at someone. In June 2025 police took him in for a mental health evaluation, he was diagnosed with schizophrenia, and he had been off his medication. Polanco told investigators he bought the gun used in the shooting illegally about a month before the ambush.
The shooting arrives amid a rising toll from ambush-style attacks on officers. In 2025 there were 67 ambush incidents nationwide that left 90 officers shot and 22 dead. The case has renewed discussion online about how body-worn cameras and their placement can sometimes save lives in close-range encounters.
📊 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.
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.
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.
📰 Source Timeline (1)
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