In a tragic sequence of events that unfolded in Charlotte County, Florida, Corporal Elio Diaz of the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) was fatally shot during a routine traffic stop on Sunday afternoon. The suspect, 24-year-old Andrew Mostyn Jr., fled the scene after shooting Diaz but was later located in the parking lot of a nearby Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen. Mostyn, armed with a rifle and posing an imminent threat to law enforcement, was subsequently shot and killed by a responding deputy. The incident, which spanned several hours and multiple locations, has left the Charlotte County community in shock, mourning the loss of a dedicated officer while raising questions about the circumstances leading to the violent confrontation.
The ordeal began shortly after 4:00 PM on December 15, 2024, when Corporal Elio Diaz, a well-respected 12-year veteran of the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, conducted a routine traffic stop at the Chevron gas station located at 4968 Tamiami Trail in Port Charlotte. According to the initial reports released by Sheriff Bill Prummell, Corporal Diaz had pulled over a white pickup truck for a minor traffic violation. What began as a standard interaction quickly escalated into a deadly encounter. As Corporal Diaz approached the vehicle, the driver, identified as 24-year-old Andrew Mostyn Jr., exited the truck armed with a rifle and immediately opened fire on Diaz. The sudden and unprovoked attack left Corporal Diaz critically wounded, while Mostyn fled the scene in his truck, setting off a county-wide manhunt.
Emergency responders arrived at the Chevron station within minutes and transported Corporal Diaz to ShorePoint Health in Port Charlotte. Despite the best efforts of medical personnel, Diaz succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital. Sheriff Prummell, visibly emotional during a press conference held later that evening, described Diaz as “an exemplary officer, a devoted husband and father, and a hero who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.” The sheriff also emphasized the gravity of the loss, noting that Diaz’s death marked the first fatal shooting of a CCSO deputy in over a decade.
As news of the shooting spread, CCSO deputies, supported by neighboring law enforcement agencies, launched an extensive search for Mostyn. Using eyewitness accounts, surveillance footage, and vehicle descriptions, officers tracked the suspect’s white pickup truck to the parking lot of Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen located at 24471 Sandhill Boulevard, approximately five miles from the initial crime scene. By the time deputies arrived, Mostyn had exited his truck and was seen holding the same rifle used in the earlier attack.
When deputies attempted to apprehend him, Mostyn reportedly raised the rifle and aimed it at the officers, appearing to prepare for another violent confrontation. Faced with an immediate and credible threat to their lives and public safety, one of the deputies discharged their weapon, striking Mostyn in the head. Mostyn was critically injured and was airlifted to Gulf Coast Medical Center via AeroMed helicopter. Despite emergency medical intervention, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead shortly before 9:00 PM. Sheriff Prummell later confirmed that the deputy who fired the fatal shot acted in accordance with CCSO protocols for responding to life-threatening situations.
The events of that day have left two active crime scenes in Port Charlotte, with both the Chevron gas station and the Popeye’s parking lot cordoned off as investigators work to piece together the details of the incident. Forensic teams are meticulously analyzing evidence from both locations, including bullet casings, surveillance footage, and eyewitness testimonies, to gain a clearer understanding of the timeline and dynamics of the shootings. Deputies remain posted at the scenes to ensure public safety and to prevent any interference with the ongoing investigation.
Sheriff Prummell expressed his condolences to Corporal Diaz’s family, acknowledging the profound loss they have suffered. “We lost a hero today,” Prummell said. “Corporal Diaz dedicated his life to serving and protecting our community, and he paid the ultimate price doing what he loved. Our hearts are with his family, friends, and colleagues as we all try to come to terms with this senseless act of violence.” Diaz leaves behind a wife and two young children, who were given the opportunity to say their final goodbyes at the hospital before the public was informed of his passing.
As for Andrew Mostyn Jr., little information has been released about his background or potential motives for the attack. Mostyn, a resident of Punta Gorda, Florida, had no prior criminal record in Charlotte County, according to Sheriff Prummell. However, investigators are working to determine whether he had a history of mental health issues, substance abuse, or other factors that may have contributed to his violent behavior. Authorities are also looking into whether the rifle used in the shootings was legally obtained and whether Mostyn had any known affiliations or connections that could shed light on his actions.
The tragedy has sparked an outpouring of grief and support from the local community, as well as from law enforcement agencies across the state and nation. Vigils are being organized to honor Corporal Diaz’s memory, and a memorial fund has been established to support his family during this difficult time. Fellow officers have described Diaz as a dedicated and compassionate individual who consistently went above and beyond the call of duty. “Elio wasn’t just a colleague; he was a friend, a mentor, and a true embodiment of what it means to serve,” said Deputy Chris Taylor, one of Diaz’s closest friends.
The incident has also reignited discussions about the dangers faced by law enforcement officers during routine traffic stops, which are often unpredictable and fraught with risk. According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, traffic-related incidents are one of the leading causes of death for officers in the line of duty, with ambush-style attacks on officers increasing in frequency in recent years. Sheriff Prummell has vowed to review CCSO’s protocols and training programs to ensure that deputies are equipped to handle such high-risk situations while minimizing potential harm.
At the state level, Florida lawmakers have renewed calls for stricter gun control measures and enhanced penalties for crimes against law enforcement officers. Governor Ron DeSantis issued a statement condemning the attack and pledging his administration’s support for the CCSO and Diaz’s family. “We will not tolerate acts of violence against those who dedicate their lives to protecting our communities,” DeSantis said. “Corporal Diaz’s sacrifice will not be in vain, and we will honor his legacy by ensuring that justice is served.”
The events in Charlotte County have also drawn national attention, with advocacy groups highlighting the need for comprehensive mental health services, de-escalation training, and community engagement to address the root causes of violence. While the full details of Andrew Mostyn Jr.’s actions and motivations remain unclear, his decision to target a law enforcement officer has underscored the growing challenges faced by police departments nationwide.
In the coming weeks, the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office will hold a memorial service to honor Corporal Diaz’s life and service. Plans are also underway to establish a permanent tribute in his memory, such as renaming a section of Tamiami Trail or erecting a statue at CCSO headquarters. As the community comes together to mourn and heal, the hope remains that Diaz’s legacy will inspire greater unity, resilience, and commitment to the values he upheld throughout his career.
The investigation into the shootings is ongoing, with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) conducting an independent review of the use of force by the deputy who fatally shot Mostyn. Sheriff Prummell has pledged full transparency and cooperation with the review process, emphasizing the importance of accountability and public trust. For now, the focus remains on honoring the life of Corporal Elio Diaz and ensuring that his sacrifice is remembered as a testament to the bravery and dedication of those who serve and protect.
