Posted on 03/03/2026 5:30:49 AM PST by V_TWIN
A Volusia County sheriff’s deputy is recuperating after being shot twice while responding to a call on Monday. Deputy José Rivera was struck in the chest and thigh, but officials say his body camera prevented more serious injuries by deflecting one of the rounds.
Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood credited the equipment with saving the deputy’s life. Chitwood described the outcome of the shooting as “divine intervention” when speaking to reporters about Rivera’s survival and subsequent medical transport.
The shooting occurred while Rivera was responding to a call on Monday. Rivera was struck once in the chest and once in the thigh. The bullet that hit his chest struck the body camera and ricocheted into his shoulder, the sheriff said. Other deputies on the scene provided immediate medical assistance and pulled Rivera from the line of fire.
“If you don’t believe in God, when you look at a gunfight that’s occurring less than six feet away, and this thing that nobody likes to wear is dead center, it absolutely saves his life,” Chitwood said holding up the damaged camera.
(Excerpt) Read more at yahoo.com ...
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"Authorities identified the suspect as 31-year-old Luis Diaz Polanco."
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Uh huh
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Now the Democrats will demand all body cameras on law enforcement are illegal and must be removed.
Anytime someone tries to kill a cop, like in this example, the law should make it legal to allow cops to go into overdrive and pursue the criminal until he’s released from his mortal coil and nothing less than that.
Not to throw any cold water on the story, but wasn’t the deputy wearing a vest? So depending on the firearm and caliber, without the body camera in the right place he may have survived just the same.
The camera deflected the shot, which could have hit him in the neck or face. Probably would have been better off with body armor alone.
One pork chalupa over the line sweet Jesus, one pork chalupa over the line.
Always bring a bodycam to gunfight.
The judge might let him off since there is no recording of the event. Might sanction the deputy since he allowed his camera to be turned off. (/s)
What country has a Volusia county?
Chalk one up for the good guys!
Florida.
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