The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office is in mourning following the tragic death of Deputy Sergeant Elio Diaz, who was killed in the line of duty Sunday afternoon. The fatal shooting took place during a routine traffic stop at a Chevron gas station in Charlotte Harbor, leaving the community shaken.
The incident occurred around 3:00 p.m. when Sergeant Diaz pulled over a white pickup truck driven by 24-year-old Andrew Mostyn Jr. According to Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell, during the stop, Mostyn pulled out a rifle and opened fire on Diaz, critically wounding him.
Diaz, who was quickly transported to the hospital, later succumbed to his injuries. Sheriff Prummell described Diaz as a devoted family man and a highly respected officer who was loved by his peers. “Elio was not just a good cop, he was a great man,” Prummell said. “He loved his family, and he was known for his kindness and his dedication to protecting the community.”
A massive search for Mostyn followed, and law enforcement officials tracked him down to a Popeyes restaurant on Kings Highway near I-75. Authorities say that as deputies approached Mostyn’s vehicle, he attempted to reach for a rifle, prompting one deputy to fatally shoot Mostyn in self-defense. He was later flown to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead from his injuries.
The motive behind Mostyn’s violent actions remains unclear, and detectives are investigating both crime scenes for further evidence. “We’re working tirelessly to understand why this happened,” said Sheriff Prummell. “Our thoughts are with Sergeant Diaz’s family, and we will continue to support them through this difficult time.”
In a posthumous tribute, Sergeant Diaz was promoted to the rank of sergeant on Monday, recognizing his years of service and ultimate sacrifice. The tragic loss has left a hole in the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office and the community that will be felt for years to come.
Law enforcement officers have expressed their admiration for Sergeant Diaz, sharing stories of his hard work and commitment to the community. “He was always the first to lend a hand and never backed down from doing the right thing,” said a fellow deputy. “We’re going to miss him, but his memory will live on.”
The investigation into the events surrounding the shooting is ongoing, and authorities are committed to ensuring that justice is served. As of Monday morning, the northbound lanes of US-41 on the Barrol Collier Bridge had reopened after being closed for several hours during the investigation.
Sergeant Elio Diaz’s legacy will live on through the many lives he touched in his years of service, and he will be remembered as a true hero who made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of duty.
