Deputy Jose Rivera's body camera stops bullet during Volusia County shootout

2 articles · Updated · Fox News · Apr 24

Rivera was struck in the leg and shoulder after suspect Luis Diaz Polanco allegedly fired on officers in Volusia County, Florida, on March 1, 2026.
Rivera’s body camera prevented a chest wound, and he is expected to make a full recovery after being hospitalized. Polanco was taken into custody and charged with attempted murder.
Authorities say Polanco, reportedly experiencing a mental health crisis, admitted intent to shoot officers and claimed he would have killed them if not for running out of ammunition.

The deputy survived but faces a long recovery. What are the hidden, long-term costs of a single shootout?

With a history of violence and severe mental illness, how did the suspect still manage to acquire a handgun?

After multiple hospitalizations and violent warnings, why was the suspect still a threat to the community?

A body camera stopped a fatal bullet. What is the next life-saving technology police will need to survive?

Can co-responder teams succeed in de-escalating mental health crises where traditional policing has failed?