A Charlotte County deputy was killed Sunday afternoon, December 15, 2024, during a traffic stop in Charlotte Harbor. The suspect, later identified as 24-year-old Andrew Mostyn Jr., was found and shot dead by law enforcement after a manhunt.
Around 3 p.m., Charlotte County Deputy Cpl. Elio Diaz pulled over a white pickup truck at the Chevron gas station located at 4968 Tamiami Trail, across from the Sunseeker Resort. During the stop, Mostyn allegedly pulled out a rifle and shot Diaz. Diaz was transported to the hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
A manhunt for Mostyn ensued, and deputies located him at a Popeyes restaurant on Kings Highway near I-75. As deputies approached, Mostyn reportedly reached for a rifle, prompting a deputy to open fire, striking him in the head.
Mostyn was flown to the hospital but died from his injuries shortly after.
Sheriff Bill Prummell expressed his sorrow in a news conference late Sunday night: “I want you guys to please keep Elio and his family in your thoughts and prayers, especially this time of year… Elio was a friend. A good family man. He loved his children. And he was a really great cop. He’s gonna be missed.”
Law enforcement remained at the two locations throughout the evening, collecting evidence as they continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting. As of Monday morning, detectives were still working to understand why Mostyn fired on Deputy Diaz.
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