Charlotte County Deputy Fatally Shot During Traffic Stop; Suspect Dead Following Manhunt
Charlotte County, FL — Corporal Elio Diaz, a veteran officer with the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, was fatally shot during a traffic stop on Sunday, marking a tragic loss for the local law enforcement community. The suspect, 24-year-old Andrew Moyston Jr., was later killed in an altercation with deputies.
Traffic Stop Turns Deadly
Authorities report that Corporal Diaz pulled over a white pickup truck Sunday afternoon. The driver, identified as Moyston, opened fire on the deputy without warning. Diaz, who had served with the department since 2013, was transported to a nearby hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
Sheriff Bill Prummell addressed the community during a Sunday night press conference. “Elio was a friend and a good family man. He loved his children and was a really great cop,” Prummell said, urging the public to keep Diaz’s family in their thoughts during this difficult time.
Manhunt Ends in Fatal Shooting
Following the shooting, law enforcement launched a county-wide manhunt. Deputies located Moyston at a Popeyes restaurant on King’s Highway. When officers attempted to apprehend him, Moyston reportedly reached for a rifle. Deputies fired, striking him in the head. He was airlifted to a hospital, where he later died.
Suspect’s Troubled History
Records show Moyston had been reported missing in Montgomery County, Maryland, in April. Authorities located him safe in Pennsylvania days later. However, details of his actions leading up to Sunday’s incident remain under investigation.
Community in Mourning
The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office expressed grief and solidarity in a statement shared on social media. “Cpl. Diaz’s love for his career, the people he served, and the people he served beside was unparalleled,” the statement read.
Funeral arrangements are being coordinated with Diaz’s family, and details regarding the funeral procession will be announced in the coming days.
A Life of Service
Diaz’s colleagues and community members are remembering him as a dedicated officer and family man. Sheriff Prummell emphasized the deep loss felt across the department. “He’s going to be missed,” he said.
Corporal Diaz leaves behind a family, a legacy of service, and a grieving community united in honoring his sacrifice.
