Related videos:
A Florida police officer of Cuban descent was shot dead Sunday afternoon during a traffic stop in Charlotte County.
Corporal Elio Díaz stopped a white pickup truck at a Chevron gas station across from a resort complex in Port Charlotte, about 100 miles southeast of Tampa, around 3:00 PM. The driver of the vehicle, a 24-year-old man, pulled a rifle from the cab and shot at him.
Díaz was rushed to a hospital, but he did not survive his injuries.
The county sheriff, Bill Prummell, read a statement to the press that evening.
"A chase ensued, and the officers were able to locate the suspect not far away. He was at the Popeye's restaurant on Kings Highway. When the officers approached him, he immediately picked up a rifle, and one of the officers fired a shot, hitting him in the head," he reported.
The shooter was identified as Andrew Mostyn, Jr. He was airlifted to a hospital, where he died.
The sheriff did not disclose the reason for the traffic stop of the truck.
visibly affected, he requested that the murdered officer and his family be remembered, especially during this time of year.
"Elio was a friend. He was a good family man, loved his children, and was a great police officer... and we will miss him. Thank you," he expressed tearfully.
WHO WAS OFFICER ELIO DÍAZ
Díaz joined the law enforcement forces in 2013. He was married and had four children, including some young ones.
According to the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office, as reported by FOX4, he served in the department for a total of 11 years and three months. He became a sergeant in January 2020.
He worked in the Highway Patrol, Investigations, STAR (Strategic Target Area Response), and the Crisis Negotiation Team.
In December 2015, he received the award for Member of the Public Order Forces of the Month. He was also named Member of the Quarter twice in 2023, in the first and third quarters.
He has just been posthumously promoted to sergeant by Sheriff Bill Prummell.
As a person, he was described as genuine and kind, truly loving what he did. His passion for his career was only "outmatched by his love for his family."
"He had a personality that transcended any situation. Díaz loved to laugh and make others laugh. He was famous in the office for his homemade Cuban coffee. When he brought some to work, everyone lined up for a cup," detailed the Sheriff's Office.
He also signed up to participate every year in the Shop With A Cop event, which allows children from low-income families to buy gifts for Christmas. This year's event took place just a week before his death.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis expressed sorrow over the tragic death of the officer.
"The First Lady Casey DeSantis and I pray for the family, friends, and colleagues of Captain Díaz following his passing. Florida honors and thanks Captain Díaz for his service to the community," he stated on his X account.
Senator Rick Scott expressed his condolences on the same social media platform.
"Devastated to hear about the passing of a Charlotte County officer tonight. I spoke with Sheriff Prummell of Charlotte County to let him know that Ann and I are praying for his team and the officer's family this evening. Please keep them in your prayers," he wrote.
The incident resulted in the closure of several streets for hours.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Murder of a Cuban Policeman in Florida
How did the murder of the Cuban police officer in Florida happen?
Cuban-born police officer Elio Díaz was shot and killed during a traffic stop in Charlotte County, Florida. The incident occurred when he pulled over a pickup truck at a gas station, and the driver, Andrew Mostyn Jr., shot him with a rifle. Díaz was taken to a hospital but did not survive his injuries.
Who was responsible for the murder of the Cuban police officer?
The individual responsible for the murder has been identified as Andrew Mostyn Jr. After the shooting, he was found by officers at a restaurant, where he was also injured by a gunshot and subsequently died in the hospital.
What was the reaction of the authorities and the community to the murder?
The county sheriff, Bill Prummell, visibly affected, urged that Officer Díaz and his family be remembered. Senator Rick Scott also expressed his condolences and called for prayers for the officer's family. The incident led to the closure of several streets for hours while the investigation took place.
What do we know about the slain officer, Elio Díaz?
Elio Díaz was a Cuban-born officer with an impressive career in law enforcement since 2013. He was married and the father of four children. He was known for being a good family man and an excellent police officer, according to comments from his colleagues and superiors.
Filed under: