Deputy, Suspect Killed After Traffic Stop Shooting In Charlotte Co.

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, FL — A Charlotte County deputy was shot and killed Sunday after a man pulled out a rifle during a traffic stop, Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell said at a late-night news conference. When the suspect was confronted later by authorities, he was fatally shot.

Prummell identified the deputy as Cpl. Elio Diaz, who conducted the traffic stop on a white pickup truck around 3 p.m. near a Charlotte County gas station.

NBC 2 reported the stop occurred in Charlotte Harbor.

During the stop, Prummell accused 24-year-old Andrew Mostyn of brandishing a rifle and firing at Diaz. Later, at a hospital, Diaz died of his injuries, police said.

After a manhunt, Mostyn was found at a Kings Highway fast-food restaurant. Mostyn once again reached for the rifle after being approached by deputies, Prummell said.

A deputy then shot Mostyn in the head, Prummell said, adding the suspect died after being airlifted to a nearby hospital.

"Elio was a friend," Prummell said, becoming emotional. "He was a good family man. He loved his children, and he was a really great cop. He's going to be missed."

Diaz had been with the sheriff's office since 2013, Charlotte County officials said in a Facebook post.

On Monday, authorities shared a Facebook photo of Diaz attending the department's 2024 Shop with a Cop event, which they said Diaz "eagerly" signed up for annually.

"On behalf of Sheriff Prummell and the entire CCSO family, we thank you for the support you have shown as we all mourn our brother, Cpl. Elio Diaz. Please know that your messages, comments and prayers are heard and appreciated by our members all throughout the agency. ... His love for his career, the people he served and the people he served beside was unparalleled," authorities wrote in the Facebook post.

Diaz was the seventh Charlotte County deputy to be killed in the line of duty in the sheriff's office's history, NBC 2 reported.

After news broke of Diaz's death, multiple law-enforcement agencies and government officials took to social media Sunday night and Monday to share their reactions and condolences.

Charlotte County Government: "We extend our sincere condolences to Cpl. Elio Diaz's family, friends and his brothers and sisters in green as our community mourns the loss of Charlotte County Sheriff's Office Cpl. Elio Diaz. He was tragically killed in the line of duty last night. Our hearts continue to be heavy for all who knew and loved this man who risked it all to serve and protect our Charlotte County community. Charlotte County's Cpl. Elio Diaz's dedication and sacrifice will not be forgotten. His service since 2013 reflects his commitment to protecting and serving our community. May his bravery and service be remembered and honored. Our hearts are with our colleagues at the Sheriff’s Office during this incredibly difficult and heartbreaking time. We stand with you in support and solidarity."

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody: "Heartbreaking news tonight. A Charlotte County Sheriff’s Deputy lost his life. Please keep the CCSO, @CCSOFLSheriff Prummell and this hero’s family in your prayers. It’s going to be a very difficult holiday season for so many mourning this tragic loss."

U.S. Sen. Rick Scott: "Devastated to hear of the passing of a Charlotte County deputy tonight. I spoke with @CCSOFLSheriff Prummell to let him know Ann and I are praying for his team and the deputy’s family tonight. Please keep them in your prayers."

Flagler County Sheriff's Office: "Sheriff Rick Staly and the men and women of FCSO extend our deepest condolences to Charlotte County Sheriff's Office on the murder of Corporal Elio Diaz. ...Please join us as we pray for the family of Cpl. Diaz and the men and women of CCSO during this difficult and sad time. RIP in peace our brother. We have your watch from here. May God bless you and hold your family in His hands."

Venice Police Department: "Yesterday afternoon, Corporal Elio Diaz of the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office was tragically shot and killed in the line of duty. The Venice Police Department mourns alongside the CCSO. We offer our deepest sympathies and support to CPL Diaz's family and work family."

Lee County Sheriff's Office: "Sheriff Carmine Marceno and the entire Lee County Sheriff’s Office extend our deepest condolences to the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office on the murder of Corporal Elio Diaz during a traffic stop. Please keep Sheriff Bill Prummell and his CCSO family in your prayers. Our deepest condolences are with Corporal Diaz's family and friends. Rest easy, sir. We have the watch from here. Our agency will provide any requested assistance to Sheriff Prummell as he and his team navigate the days ahead."

Collier County Sheriff's Office: "We are sending our deepest condolences to our colleagues at the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office over the tragic loss of Cpl. Elio Diaz who was shot and killed in the line of duty Sunday during a traffic stop. We ask our community to join us in keeping Cpl. Diaz’s family and our brothers and sisters at the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office in our prayers."

St. Lucie County Sheriff Keith Pearson: "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Corporal Elio Diaz during this difficult time. Charlotte County Sheriff's Office Sheriff Bill Prummell reports that Corporal Elio Diaz was shot and killed in the line of duty during a traffic stop. ... Elio leaves behind a family, including children. He's been on the force since 2013."

Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office: "Sheriff Bob Johnson and all the members of Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office FL send their condolences to the family of Corporal Elio Diaz and the members of Charlotte County Sheriff's Office."

Upper Makefield Township (Pennsylvania) Police Department: "We, at the Upper Makefield Township Police Department, send our deepest condolences to the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office in Florida as they deal with the tragic murder of one of their deputies this evening. Thinking of our extended family of blue this evening."