South Florida communities are mourning the loss of a lawmaker who was killed in the line of duty Sunday afternoon.
Elio Diaz was shot and killed during a traffic stop Sunday afternoon, Charlotte County Sheriff Cpl. Bill Prummell said at an evening news conference.
There were limited details available, but Plummell said Diaz was parked in a white pickup truck at a Chevron gas station across from the Sunseeker Resort in Charlotte Harbor.
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Charlotte County Sheriff's Office Corporal Elio Diaz was shot and killed Sunday afternoon while conducting a traffic stop. (Charlotte County Sheriff's Office/Facebook)
During the traffic stop, the suspect, later identified as 24-year-old Andrew Mostyn Jr., pulled out a rifle and shot Diaz, the sheriff said. The deputy was taken to a nearby hospital, where he died.
Mostyn fled the scene and was later found at Popeye's on Kings Highway in Punta Gorda after an extensive search.
Plummell said he reached for his rifle again when the officers approached him, which resulted in the officers shooting him in the head. Mostyn died after being taken to an area hospital.
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Plummell was visibly shaken when he confirmed the aide's death to local reporters on Sunday night.
”[He] We were friends. I'm a good family man. He loved kids and was a truly great police officer. He will be missed,” the sheriff said through tears.
Corporal Elio Diaz was an 11-year veteran of the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office. (Charlotte County Sheriff's Office/Facebook)
State leaders also reacted to Diaz's death, offering prayers and condolences to authorities and his loved ones.
“Heartbreaking news tonight: A Charlotte County Sheriff's Deputy has lost his life,” Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody wrote in a statement to X. “Please keep CCSO, @CCSOFLSheriff Prummell and the family of this hero in your prayers. This is going to be a very difficult holiday season.” So many are mourning this tragic loss. ”
Sen. Rick Scott, R-Florida, also posted on X, writing, “I was shocked to hear of the death of a Charlotte County representative tonight.”
“I spoke with @CCSOFLSheriff Prummell and let him know Ann and I are praying for his team and the deputy's family tonight. Please keep them in your prayers,” he wrote.
Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) was among state leaders who expressed condolences to the loved ones of the Charlotte County corporal. Helio Diaz, who died in the line of duty on Sunday. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
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Diaz has been with the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office since 2013 and was selected as the department's first quarter law enforcement officer of the year in November 2023, according to local station FOX 4 Now.
