Crime
Charlotte County Corporal Elio Diaz shot and killed during traffic stop in Southwest Florida, suspect Andrew Mostyn Jr dead
The suspect 24-year-old Andrew Mostyn Jr fled and was subsequently shot and killed by a responding deputy.
Charlotte County, FL – Sheriff Bill Prummell has released further details regarding a tragic incident on Sunday afternoon that claimed the lives of Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Corporal Elio Diaz and the suspect, 24-year-old Andrew Mostyn Jr.
The incident began around 4:00 PM when Corporal Diaz initiated a routine traffic stop on a white pickup truck at the Chevron gas station located at 4968 Tamiami Trail.
During the stop, Mostyn Jr. exited his vehicle and opened fire on Diaz with a rifle before fleeing the scene in his truck.
Deputies later tracked Mostyn Jr. to the parking lot of Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen at 24471 Sandhill Boulevard.
When deputies attempted to approach him, Mostyn Jr. aimed his rifle at them, appearing to prepare for another attack.
In response to the imminent threat, one deputy fired at Mostyn Jr., striking him in the head.
He was airlifted to Gulf Coast Medical Center by AeroMed helicopter but succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead shortly before 9:00 PM Sunday.
Corporal Diaz was rushed to ShorePoint Health by emergency medical personnel.
Despite life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead at the hospital. Sheriff Prummell delayed releasing information to ensure Diaz’s family had the opportunity to be notified and say their final goodbyes at the hospital before the press conference.
Both the Chevron gas station and Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen remain active but scaled-down crime scenes as investigators continue to gather evidence.
Deputies remain posted at both locations to ensure public safety and secure the areas.
Sheriff Prummell expressed his condolences to Corporal Diaz’s family, acknowledging their loss and the tremendous sacrifice Diaz made in the line of duty.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and additional updates will be provided as they become available.
Christian County, Mo. — Authorities have identified the suspect accused of fatally shooting a deputy with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office during a traffic stop as Richard Bird.
At the time the Blue Alert was issued, the suspect had not yet been taken into custody.
According to law enforcement officials, the deputy initiated a traffic stop involving a 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck along State Highway 160 near Highlandville.
During the stop, the suspect allegedly opened fire, fatally wounding the deputy before fleeing the scene.
The suspect was reported to have traveled southbound on Highway 160 following the shooting.
Authorities described the suspect vehicle as a black 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck equipped with a silver brush guard, black body trim, tinted rear windows, and a three-ball trailer hitch. The vehicle was bearing Missouri license plate 9MG-X36.
A statewide Blue Alert was issued to notify the public and assist in locating the suspect.
Law enforcement officials urged residents not to approach the vehicle or suspect if located, but instead to immediately call 911 and provide detailed information while remaining at a safe distance.
Christian County is situated south of Springfield and north of Branson, an area that sees significant travel due to its proximity to the Ozarks.
Multiple agencies across the region coordinated efforts in response to the alert.
Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting or the status of the investigation.
Law enforcement officials expressed their condolences to the deputy’s family, colleagues, and the community as they continue to pursue justice in the case.