Florida deputy shot, killed when suspect opens fire during traffic stop: CCSO

By Carla Bayron

CHARLOTTE HARBOR, Fla. - The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of one of its deputies. 

It happened during a traffic stop at a gas station on Sunday. 

Authorities say Corporal Elio Diaz pulled over a white pickup truck and the driver, Andrew Moyston Jr., 24, opened fire.

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Diaz was taken to an area hospital where he died. 

Diaz had been on the force since 2013.

"I want you guys to please keep Elio’s family in your thoughts and prayers, especially during this time of year," Sheriff Bill Pummell said during a press conference on Sunday night. "Elio was a friend and a good family man. He loved his children and he was a really great cop."

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After the shooting, deputies went on a manhunt for the suspect. 

He was located at a Popeye’s restaurant on King’s Highway. 

When deputies approached him, he grabbed for a rifle, and one of the deputies shot him in the head.'

Moyston Jr. was flown to an area hospital and died. 

In April, Mostyn was reported missing in Montgomery County, Maryland and the department issued this alert. Days later he was reportedly found safe in Pennsylvania.

In a statement shared on their Facebook page, the sheriff's office said: "[Diaz's] love for his career, the people he served, and the people he served beside was unparallelled."

"Elio was a friend. He was a good family man," said Prummell. "He loved his children and he was a really great cop. He's going to be missed."

The family will decide on funeral arrangements with the assistance of the CCSO.

The funeral procession date has not yet been announced.