Charlotte County Cpl. Elio Diaz was shot, killed in action; the suspect also died

A south Florida community is mourning the loss of a deputy who was killed in the line of duty Sunday afternoon.

Charlotte County Cpl. Elio Diaz was shot and killed during a traffic stop Sunday afternoon, Sheriff Bill Prummell said at an evening press conference.

Limited details were available, but Prummell said Diaz was parking a white pickup truck at a Chevron gas station across from the Sunseeker Resort in Charlotte Harbor.

TRUMP, DESANTIS JOIN THOUSANDS TO MOURN 3 FLORIDA DEPUTES KILLED IN TRAFFIC CRASH

During the stop, the suspect, later identified as Andrew Mostyn Jr., 24, pulled a gun and shot Diaz, according to the officer. The deputy was taken to a nearby hospital, where he died.

Mostyn fled the scene, which led to a large manhunt, and was later found at Popeyes on King’s Highway in Punta Gorda.

When deputies approached him, Prummell said he reached for his gun again, prompting the deputy to shoot him in the head. Mostyn died after being taken to a local hospital.

FLORIDA DEPUTY ‘FIGHTING FOR HIS LIFE’ AFTER CRASH KILLS 2 COLLEAGUES

Prummell was visibly upset when he confirmed the deputy’s death to local reporters on Sunday night.

“[He] he was a friend. A good family man. He loved his children and was a really great police officer. He will be missed,” said the official with tears in his eyes.

Cpl. Elio Diaz was an 11-year veteran of the Sheriff County Sheriff’s Office. (Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office/Facebook)

State leaders also responded to the death of Diaz, praying and comforting the center and their loved ones.

“Terrible news tonight. A Charlotte County Sheriff’s deputy lost his life,” Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody wrote on X. “Please keep the CCSO, @CCSOFLSheriff Prummell and the family of this hero in your prayers. It will be a very difficult holiday season with many mourning this tragic loss.

Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., also posted on X, writing that he was “saddened to hear of the passing of a Charlotte County deputy last night.”

“I spoke with @CCSOFLSheriff Prummell to let him know about Ann and I’m praying for his team and the deputy’s family tonight. Please keep them in your prayers,” he wrote.

Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., was among state leaders who offered condolences to the loved ones of Charlotte County Cpl. Elio Diaz, who was killed in the line of duty on Sunday. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

CLICK HERE FOR THE NEWS PROGRAM

Diaz had worked with the County Sheriff’s Office since 2013, according to local outlet FOX 4 Now, and was elected as the department’s first-term law enforcement officer in November 2023.