CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. — A Florida deputy was killed in the line of duty when the driver he pulled over for a traffic stop opened fire, Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummel said late Sunday night.
The shooting happened around 3 p.m. Sunday in the Port Charlotte area. Corporal Elio Diaz pulled over the driver of a white pickup truck at a local gas station.
The sheriff said the 24-year-old driver, later identified as Andrew Mostyn, had a rifle in his truck and shot Diaz. Diaz was rushed to the hospital but later died from his injuries.
Mostyn reportedly took off but was found a short time later at a nearby Popeyes restaurant on King's Highway.
Prummel said when deputies went to confront Mostyn, he reportedly reached for his rifle again. This time, a deputy opened fire on Mostyn, shooting him in the head, the sheriff said. He was airlifted to a hospital where he also died.
"I want you guys to please keep Elio and his family in your thoughts and prayers," Prummel said during a press conference Sunday night. "Especially during this time of year."
The sheriff said Diaz was a friend and needed a moment to compose himself before tearfully adding he was a "good family man."
"He loved his children, and he was a really good cop," Prummel said. "He's gonna be missed."
According to the sheriff's office, Diaz had been with the agency since 2013.
Following Diaz's death, an outpouring of condolences and support came from Florida lawmakers. Sen. Rick Scott said on social media he was "devastated" to hear of Diaz's passing.
"Please keep [Diaz's family] in your prayers," Scott said in part.
Congressman Greg Steube, who represents the area, said Sunday evening that his "prayers are with all of those involved in responding. God bless our law enforcement officers."