Corporal Elio Diaz Obituary, Death – A Charlotte County Sheriff’s deputy was tragically shot and killed during a traffic stop on Sunday afternoon in Port Charlotte, Florida. Corporal Elio Diaz, who was conducting the stop at a gas station on Tamiami Trail, was fatally wounded when the driver suddenly pulled out a rifle and opened fire, according to Sheriff Bill Prummell.
Diaz was rushed to a nearby hospital following the attack, but despite efforts to save him, he was later pronounced dead. The incident has deeply shaken the local community, and Sheriff Prummell expressed his grief during a news conference, fighting back tears as he described Diaz as both a dedicated officer and a beloved friend. “Elio was a friend. He was a good family man. He loved his children, and he was a really great cop,” Prummell said, clearly emotional over the loss of the deputy.
The suspect involved in the shooting, identified as 24-year-old Andrew Mostyn Jr., fled the scene after the shooting. Authorities were able to track him down to a Popeyes restaurant located about 20 minutes from the gas station where the incident occurred. When deputies arrived at the restaurant to apprehend Mostyn, he allegedly grabbed the rifle again. In response, one of the deputies fired, striking Mostyn in the head and killing him at the scene.
Details regarding the reason for the initial traffic stop were not immediately disclosed by officials, leaving many questions unanswered in the early stages of the investigation. The circumstances that led to the confrontation, including the driver’s actions before the shooting, remain under scrutiny. Law enforcement agencies are continuing to investigate the incident.
Sheriff Prummell, in his statement, expressed the profound loss felt by the department and the community. “Elio was a valued member of our department, and his death is a devastating blow to all of us,” he said, emphasizing the pain of losing a dedicated officer who was known for his kindness and professionalism. Prummell also extended his condolences to Diaz’s family, colleagues, and the broader Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office.
This tragic event has highlighted the dangers law enforcement officers face while carrying out routine duties such as traffic stops. While such encounters typically do not escalate to violence, the fatal shooting of Corporal Diaz serves as a sobering reminder of the risks officers assume every day in the line of duty.
The department is now focused on providing support to Diaz’s family and his fellow officers as they cope with the loss of a colleague and friend. Sheriff Prummell has promised that the department will continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting and ensure that all involved parties are held accountable.
As the investigation into the incident continues, the community of Port Charlotte and the surrounding areas are in mourning, remembering Corporal Diaz as a dedicated public servant and a loving family man. His death has left an indelible mark on the law enforcement community, and tributes are expected to pour in from fellow officers and citizens alike. The tragic events of Sunday afternoon have sparked a renewed focus on the risks and challenges faced by law enforcement officers, especially during routine traffic stops, and the importance of supporting officers in their service to the public.
At this time, the details of the ongoing investigation are limited, but authorities are expected to provide further updates as more information becomes available. The incident serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers that law enforcement officers face, as well as the importance of ensuring the safety of both officers and the public in high-stress situations.
