Charlotte County deputy dies during traffic stop at gas station

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. — A deputy working for the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office died during a traffic stop Sunday night, officials have confirmed.

During a press conference just after midnight on Monday, Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell said Corporal Elio Diaz conducted the traffic stop at a Chevron gas station late Sunday afternoon.

While the sheriff did not comment on what provoked the traffic stop, during the encounter, the driver, 24-year-old Andrew Mostyn, Jr., pulled out a rifle and opened fire. Diaz was hospitalized but did not survive his injuries.

Prummell said a manhunt ensued, and deputies were able to find the suspect at a nearby Popeye's. When they approached, Mostyn grabbed for the rifle, and one of the deputies opened fire. Mostyn was shot in the head and, despite being airlifted to a hospital, passed away.

"I want you guys to keep Elio and his family in your thoughts," Prummell said during the press conference. "He was a good family man, he loved his children, and he was a really great cop [...] and he's going to be missed."

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Florida Sen. Rick Scott posted about Diaz.

"Devastated to hear of the passing of a Charlotte County deputy tonight," Scott wrote in his post. "I spoke with [Charlotte County Sheriff Bill] Prummel to let him know Ann and I are praying for his team and the deputy's family tonight. Please keep them in your prayers."

U.S. Rep. Greg Steube also previously said in a social media post that his office was monitoring reports of multiple shootings in the area.

"My office is closely monitoring the reports of multiple shootings, including a potential officer-involved shooting in Charlotte County near the Sunseeker this evening," Steube wrote in his post. "Please avoid the area to allow Charlotte County Sheriff's Office and Punta Gorda Police investigate."