Investigation reveals critical moments before Sgt. Elio Diaz’s tragic killing, shedding light on a situation that escalated shockingly in Port Charlotte. The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office hosted a news conference on Thursday, revealing key details concerning the investigation into the fatal incident that occurred last Sunday.
WATCH BELOW TO SEE WHAT LED UP TO THE DEADLY SHOOTING:
‘He had no chance’: Charlotte Co. Sheriff details the moments before, after Sgt. Diaz’s killing
A chain of events unfolded merely an hour prior to the shooting:
According to Sheriff Bill Prummell, Sgt. Diaz encountered Andrew Mostyn Jr., a homeless man, during a routine traffic stop at the Chevron gas station on Tamiami Trail, right across from the Sunseeker Resort. The compassionate officer realized the young man was in need, noting that his car wasn’t insured. This moment offers a glimpse into Diaz’s character—someone who didn’t just enforce the law but upheld it with empathy and kindness.
Just after 3 p.m., Sgt. Elio Diaz had been traveling north on the U.S. 41 bridge in Punta Gorda. Upon running the license plate of a white pickup truck, he discovered an “FR Suspension” on the driver—an indication of lapsed or nonexistent insurance.
You can watch the entire news conference here:
Sheriff’s News Conference
Upon arriving at the gas station, the traffic stop was initiated. What began as a cordial interaction spiraled into chaos. For over an hour, Sgt. Diaz conversed with Mostyn, learning about his difficult circumstances and the reality of living out of his truck.
“Elio was working with him to try and contact the insurance company to try and get his insurance reinstated,” Prummell shared, emphasizing Diaz’s attempt to avoid towing the vehicle and the belongings that composed Mostyn’s life. A stark contrast to the fate that awaited him, this poignant moment stands as a testament to the humanity found in the line of duty.
The moments before the shooting reveal the unexpected twist of fate: as Diaz returned to the truck to check on Mostyn, Sheriff Prummell conveyed that Mostyn retrieved a rifle from his vehicle and shot Sgt. Diaz. “He had no chance,” Prummell reiterated, highlighting the suddenness of the attack.
As Sgt. Diaz fell, Mostyn reportedly advanced toward him, discharging at least ten rounds. With no opportunity to defend himself, Sergio Diaz’s life ended far too soon, leaving a community bereft of a dedicated public servant. He was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
A swift search was launched to locate Mostyn, who had fled the scene. Authorities uncovered that he had switched out a Florida license plate for a Georgia one and donned a ballistic vest equipped with Level 3 protection.
Approximately an hour after the tragic shooting, Corporal Nate Edwards discovered the suspect’s vehicle parked at a Popeye’s near I-75 and Kings Highway. He promptly called for backup, with Deputy Andrea Short arriving quickly on the scene.
Click here to watch the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office video of the encounter:
Sheriff’s Office Video
Deputy Short took the leadership role as the first to respond on the scene. Following protocol, both deputies ordered Mostyn to show his hands. In a tense moment, Mostyn refused to comply, leading to a critical decision by Deputy Short. Noticing an “overt movement” that suggested he was reaching for a weapon, she discharged her firearm, and Mostyn was struck fatally.
Dashcam footage reveals the aftermath as the shell casing rolled down the windshield after the shot, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. The intensity of law enforcement’s response increased further when they learned that the shooter had been armed with a Romarm SAR-1 and possessed a magazine containing 18 rounds, along with another round chambered.
A closer examination of Mostyn’s truck unveiled an alarming cache. The sheriff reported finding over a thousand rounds of ammunition, multiple firearms, a crossbow, gas masks, and a variety of knives. “The shooter in this case was prepared and ready for a fight,” Prummell observed. This massive armory painted a grim picture of a man driven to violence.
When discussing the shooter, Sheriff Prummell indicated that there might be potential mental health issues at play. With a history of drug use and signs of instability, the narrative grew more concerning. Mostyn’s family provided insights, revealing that he engaged in self-medication, often becoming manic. Drug-related paraphernalia like packets of mushrooms were discovered in his vehicle, further complicating the investigation.
The sheriff’s remarks carried weight and urgency. “They knew he had weapons. They did absolutely nothing, and that was the result. People need to speak up,” he urged. His passionate call for community vigilance underscores the responsibility that lies with all of us—to communicate and advocate for those in precarious situations.
As the investigation continues under the Major Crime Unit of the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, the findings will transition to the State Attorney’s Office for review. Sheriff Prummell, emphasizing empathy and support, stated, “We’re going to make sure that everybody’s taken care of both mentally and physically.” Meanwhile, Deputy Short is on administrative leave as protocol dictates.
In the wake of such tragedy, the community remembers Sgt. Elio Diaz not just for his sacrifice but for his humanity. His commitment to service may harbor the hope that the profound lessons learned from this heartbreaking event foster changes that enhance mental health care and community safety moving forward.
