Florida deputy shot, killed after suspect pulls out rifle during traffic stop: sheriff

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. - A Charlotte County Sheriff's deputy was shot and killed during a traffic stop over the weekend, authorities said.

Corporal Elio Diaz was conducting a stop at a gas station on Tamiami Trail in Port Charlotte on Sunday afternoon when the driver pulled out a rifle and fired, Sheriff Bill Prummell said during a news conference.

Diaz was rushed to a local hospital where he died. 

The driver, later identified as Andrew Mostyn, Jr left the area, but was later located at a Popeyes about 20 minutes away on Kings Highway. 

The Charlotte County Sheriff's Office shared this photo of Corporal Elio Diaz from this year's Shop With A Cop program. (Credit: Charlotte County Sheriffs Office)

MORE NEWS: Grandma on the run after kidnapping Florida boy before DCF could take custody, parents arrested: police

When deputies approached him, officials said he grabbed the rifle again, prompting a deputy to open fire, striking him in the head and killing him.

Prummell was visibly emotional when he addressed the media about the tragic incident.

"Elio was a friend," Prummell said, struggling to hold back tears. "He was a good family man. He loved his children, and he was a really great cop."

Additional details about what led to the traffic stop were not immediately released.

State leaders, Florida law enforcement agencies react to deadly deputy shooting

State leaders and several law enforcement agencies took to social media, offering prayers and condolences to the agency and the deputy's loved ones. 

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody

"Heartbreaking news tonight. A Charlotte County Sheriff’s Deputy lost his life," Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody wrote on X. "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."

Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla. 

Senator Rick Scott also posted to X, expressing his sorrow, stating he was "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," he wrote.

Flagler County Sheriff's Office

The Flagler County Sheriff's Office shared the following statement on Facebook:

"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. Cpl. Diaz had conducted a traffic stop when the driver shot and killed Cpl. Diaz. After a manhunt, the suspect was shot and killed. 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

"The Venice Police Department mourns alongside the CCSO," the law enforcement agency said in a Facebook post. "We offer our deepest sympathies and support to CPL Diaz's family and work family."

Fort Myers Police Department

"Our hearts break for the family, friends and colleagues of Charlotte County Sheriff's Office Corporal Elio Diaz," the police department shared on social media. " We pray you find comfort during this unimaginable loss."

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.