Florida Deputy Killed by Rifle Wielding Suspect at Traffic Stop
When deputies approached, the suspect "immediately grabbed for a rifle," at which time a deputy shot him in the head, the sheriff said. The suspect died after being flown to a hospital.
Cpl. Elio Diaz at this year's Shop With A Cop program. It was "an event for which he eagerly signed up each year. His love for his career, the people he served, and the people he served beside was unparallelled," the sheriff's office said.
Charlotte County SO/Facebook
A Charlotte County, Florida, Sheriff’s deputy was killed Sunday afternoon during a traffic stop. The suspect was killed by deputies at a nearby restaurant.
About 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15, Charlotte County Cpl. Elio Diaz was shot and killed while conducting a traffic stop Sunday afternoon at a Chevron gas station in Charlotte County, Sheriff Bill Prummell said during a news conference Sunday night.
During the stop, a 24-year-old man pulled out a rifle and opened fire on Diaz, according to Prummell. Diaz was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he died, the News-Press reports.
Prummell said the suspect fled the scene after shooting Diaz and a manhunt ensued. He was later found "not far away" at a Popeyes restaurant in Punta Gorda.
When deputies approached him, Prummell said the suspect "immediately grabbed for a rifle," at which time a deputy shot him in the head. The suspect, later identified as 24-year-old Andrew Mostyn Jr., died after being flown to a hospital.
More Patrol
Streamlight to Showcase Newest Lighting Products at National Safety Council’s Safety Congress & Expo 2026
Streamlight will showcase its latest lights, including the Portable Scene Light III and the LiteBox 1Million, at the 2026 National Safety Council (NSC) Safety Congress & Expo.
Read More →
The 2027 World Police & Fire Games Set for Perth, Australia
The 2027 World Police & Fire Games (WPFG) will take place in Perth, Western Australia, from Friday, March 12 through Sunday, March 21, 2027.
Read More →
5.11 Partners with National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to Support #ForThe343
5.11 has joined the nationwide movement honoring the 343 New York City Fire Department firefighters lost on Sept. 11, 2001.
Read More →
Team Wendy Announces Title Sponsorship of the Jorge Pastore Foundation
Team Wendy’s 3-year partnership with the Jorge Pastore Foundation expands access to programs that strengthen those who serve.
Read More →
National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum Hosting 9/11 25th-Year Commemoration Ceremony
The National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum is hosting a 9/11 25th Year Commemoration Ceremony on Sept. 11 at 4 p.m.
Read More →
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Announces June 2026 Officers of the Month
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) named 15 officers of the Chico Police Department (California) as the Officers of the Month for June 2026 for their roles in responding to an active-shooter incident at a public library.
Read More →
Team Wendy App Creates New Digital Hub for Helmet Owners
The Team Wendy Community App provides one location for warranty registration, size-fit tools, product updates, and community connection. For helmet owners, the new app creates a simpler path to the information and tools that matter most.
Read More →
PositionPTT & Pryme Combine Communication Technologies to Deliver Distracted Driving Compliance
Pryme Radio Accessories and hardware/software maker PositionPTT join forces to advance hands-free communications and ensure Department of Transportation compliance using an integrated system of push-to-talk platforms, devices, and audio equipment.
Read More →
Justice Department Releases $25M in Law Enforcement Grants & Resources
The Office of Community Oriented Policing Services has just released $25 million in new grant Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) to support law enforcement. The recently released NOFOs include the Safer Outcomes: Enhancing Crisis Response Training for Law Enforcement Program and other grant programs.
Read More →
What Makes a Laptop Rugged or Fully Rugged?
What separates a rugged laptop from a fully rugged one? In this video, two Panasonic Connect experts explain the military testing, IP ratings, durability standards, and real-world features that help law enforcement officers rely on their computers in any environment.
Read More →