On December 15, 2024, Sergeant Elio Diaz, a dedicated 11-year veteran of the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office, was tragically killed during a traffic stop in Port Charlotte, Florida. At approximately 3:00 p.m., Sgt. Diaz pulled over a white pickup truck at a Chevron gas station on Tamiami Trail after discovering the vehicle's license plate indicated a financial responsibility suspension, suggesting a lapse in insurance.
During the stop, Sgt.
Diaz engaged with the driver, 24-year-old Andrew Mostyn Jr., who was homeless and living out of his uninsured vehicle. Demonstrating compassion, Sgt. Diaz spent over an hour assisting Mostyn in efforts to reinstate his insurance to prevent the towing of the vehicle, which contained all of Mostyn's belongings. The interaction remained cordial, with no visible signs of aggression or weapons.
Tragically, as Sgt. Diaz returned to Mostyn's truck after working in his patrol car, Mostyn retrieved a Romarm SAR-1 rifle and opened fire, shooting Sgt. Diaz multiple times. The sergeant had no opportunity to defend himself and was critically injured. Mostyn fled the scene in his truck, prompting a multi-agency manhunt. He was later located at a Popeye's parking lot near I-75 and Kings Highway, where he was found wearing a ballistic vest equipped with steel plates. When deputies approached, Mostyn reached for his rifle, leading deputies to fatally shoot him.
Sgt. Diaz was transported to ShorePoint Health Port Charlotte, where he succumbed to his injuries. He is survived by his wife and four children. The community mourned his loss, with memorials and tributes highlighting his dedication to service and his love for his family. Governor Ron DeSantis ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in his honor on December 20, 2024.
Investigations revealed that Mostyn had a minimal criminal history, including charges such as DUIs and marijuana possession, primarily out of Georgia. His family indicated he had mental health issues and a history of drug use, including hallucinogens. Packets of mushrooms were found in his truck, though there was no immediate indication he was under the influence during the incident.
Sgt. Diaz's untimely death marks the seventh line-of-duty death in the history of the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office. His commitment to his community and his compassionate service have left an indelible mark on those who knew him, and his loss is deeply felt throughout the region.
