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.
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.
by Staff
December 16, 2024
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.
Credit:
Charlotte County SO/Facebook
1 min to read
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
Tasmanian Tiger Introduces the TT SGL Mag Pouch Clamp M4
Tasmanian Tiger has launched the TT SGL Mag Pouch Clamp M4, an open magazine pouch engineered for M4/AR-15 platforms that integrates a plastic clamping device for secure retention and fast magazine deployment.
Read More →
5 Things to Know When Buying Patrol Lights
Whether it’s time to buy a personal patrol light or make the decision for the next department-issued patrol light, what do you need to know? How do you weigh the different variables and make the best choice?
Read More →
Warriors Heart’s Mission to Serve America’s Veterans and First Responders
Warriors Heart works closely with federal and community partners to expand treatment options for veterans and first responders. By combining specialized clinical care with a peer-driven recovery environment, the program helps warriors rebuild strength, restore relationships, and rediscover purpose.
Read More →
How are LE Boots Different for Women?
Boots fit differently for men and women, so how are law enforcement boots for women designed differently from those worn by men? In this video, Kyle Ferdyn, of Garmont Tactical, shares all the details.
Read More →
Motorola Solutions Extends Resilient, Mission-Critical Communications and AI with T-Satellite from T-Mobile
A collaboration between Motorola Solutions and T-Mobile helps deliver uninterrupted situational awareness and access to AI wherever the mission leads, enabled by satellite connectivity for Motorola Solutions' APX NEXT smart radios.
Read More →
Registration Now Open for 2026 Vision FirstNet Users Summit
Registration is now open for the 2026 Vision FirstNet Users Summit. The Summit is an opportunity to connect with local and federal leaders, specifically the FirstNet Authority, which is hosting a track at the event this year.
Read More →
Tasmanian Tiger Launches Modular Chest Rig 4xM4 & Modular Chest Rig Pack for LE
Tasmanian Tiger has expanded its Modular Load-Carrying System with the new Modular Chest Rig 4xM4 and Modular Chest Rig Pack. Both provide adaptable, low-profile load options for military, law enforcement, and SWAT missions.
Read More →
ZeroEyes Expands from AI Gun Detection to Knife Detection & Suspect Tracking
ZeroEyes has launched three new product categories to extend beyond firearms to address additional acute safety threats and basic security needs. Knife detection and suspect tracking are now also available.
Read More →
GALLS Acquires CMS Uniforms
GALLS has acquired CMS Uniforms and Equipment, Inc., a prominent regional provider based in Nashville, Tennessee. CMS Uniforms, founded in 2000, has built a reputation for delivering stellar customer service and managing complex uniform programs for more than 670 accounts.
Read More →
Brinc Unveils Guardian, Launching the Next Era of Drone as First Responder
Brinc’s new Guardian delivers 24/7 operations, Starlink connectivity, and a robotic charging nest that can swap batteries and change payload configurations without human intervention.
Read More →