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.
Crime
4 Killed in Eden Crash at Carroll and Church Streets, Driver and Victims Identified
Michael Vernon, driver of dump truck involved charged.
A tragic crash in Eden, North Carolina, has left four people dead and several others injured following a multi-vehicle incident involving a dump truck and a utility work crew.
The Eden Police Department confirmed the incident occurred Thursday afternoon at approximately 1:30 p.m. at the intersection of Church Street, Carroll Street, and Park Road.
According to a news release from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP), 66-year-old Michael Ray Vernon of Eden was operating a 2016 Hino dump truck owned by the City of Eden.
While traveling northbound on Carroll Street, Vernon failed to stop at a posted stop sign at the intersection with Church Street.
The dump truck proceeded through the intersection, striking six pedestrians—utility workers contracted through Carolina Power and Signalization—who were performing powerline work in the area.
The dump truck continued traveling north after striking the pedestrians, colliding with an occupied bucket truck before veering off the road and crashing into a ditch.
Emergency responders from multiple agencies arrived at the scene within minutes. Four of the six pedestrians were pronounced dead at the scene.
The deceased have been identified as:
- Douglas Garland Sides, 72, of Summerfield
- Madison Carter, 42, of Sandy Ridge
- William Evans, 35, of Randleman
- Matthew Lockwood, 30, of Winston-Salem
The two surviving pedestrians sustained life-threatening injuries and were airlifted to medical facilities.
They have been identified as:
- Hunter Carter, 24, of Reidsville – transported to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Hospital in critical condition
- Kevin Alexander, 34, of Eden – airlifted in stable condition
Cody Rich, 31, of Reidsville, who was inside the bucket truck at the time of the crash, was transported by ground to UNC Health Rockingham with non-life-threatening injuries.
Michael Vernon sustained minor injuries and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
He has been charged with a stop sign violation and misdemeanor death by motor vehicle.
Investigators confirmed that impairment is not believed to have played a role in the crash.
Further charges may be considered as the investigation progresses.
The intersection remained closed for several hours as law enforcement officers and emergency crews conducted their investigation.
The area was reopened to traffic at approximately 10:30 p.m.
In a statement, Duke Energy, which works in coordination with Carolina Power and Signalization, expressed condolences:
“We are saddened about the tragic event that happened today, and our hearts go out to the families and teammates of those involved. The safety of our employees, contractors, and customers is the highest priority at Duke Energy. We are working closely with law enforcement officials.”
The NCSHP continues to lead the investigation, and anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact local authorities.