FL Deputy Survives Gunshot Thanks To Body Camera, Sheriff Says

VOLUSIA COUNTY, FL — A Volusia County deputy was saved by his body camera after he was shot while responding to a call on Monday, according to authorities.

Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood said Deputy Jose Rivera and another officer were investigating a vandalism and assault incident that occurred earlier in the day, which led them to the 2600 block of Candler Drive in Deltona, where the shooting occurred.

According to Chitwood, the deputies knocked on the door, and 31-year-old Luis Diaz Polanco answered it with a box in his hand. When the deputies asked if they could talk to him, Chitwood said Polanco "slammed the door in their faces" and locked the door.

Authorities said Polanco eventually returned to the front door and opened it. According to Chitwood, he pulled a gun from the box he was holding and began shooting at Rivera, hitting the body camera on his chest. Polanco fired several rounds, Chitwood said, and Rivera also returned fire.

Additional deputies arrived on the scene and pulled Rivera away from the gunfire. He was taken to Halifax Health-UF Health Medical Center of Deltona and later airlifted to Halifax Health in Daytona Beach. He was released from the hospital on Wednesday, Chitwood said.

Polanco was taken into custody and charged with two counts of first-degree premeditated murder. He is being held without bond at the Volusia County Jail.

According to Chitwood, Polanco has a history of mental illness and schizophrenia. Authorities said his mother had filed a complaint earlier in the day, claiming Polanco "was violent," which led them to the house on Candler Drive.

At a news conference held on Monday, Chitwood displayed the damaged body camera, which he said the bullet hit "dead center."

"If you don't believe in God, believe in him tonight," Chitwood said.