A Charlotte County deputy was killed in the line of duty Sunday afternoon in Port Charlotte during a traffic stop.

Cpl. Elio Diaz was shot just after 3 p.m. at a Chevron gas station along Tamiami Trail, across from the Sunseeker Resort, according to Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell. He was transported via helicopter to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

During the traffic stop, Prummell said the suspect, later identified as Andrew Mostyn Jr., 24, pulled out a rifle and opened fire.

Prummell said a manhunt ensued following the shooting, and Mostyn Jr. was located at a Popeye’s on King’s Highway.

“When deputies approached (Mostyn Jr.), he immediately grabbed for a rifle, and one of the deputies fired a shot, striking him in the head,” Pummell said, adding that Mostyn Jr. died at a hospital as the result of the gunshot wound.

“I want you guys to please keep Elio and his family in your thoughts and prayers, especially during this time of year,” Prummell said at a press conference Sunday night, fighting through tears. “Elio was a friend. He was a good family man. He loved his children. And he was a really great cop. And he’s going to be missed.”

Countless law enforcement agencies across Southwest Florida and beyond shared their condolences regarding the death of Diaz, who was an 11-year law enforcement veteran.

“The Cape Coral Police Department extends our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Corporal Elio Diaz and the entire Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office family during this profoundly difficult time,” said Cape Coral Police Department Chief Anthony Sizemore. “This senseless act of violence is a stark reminder of the risks law enforcement professionals face every day as they serve and protect their communities. As I told Sheriff Prummell this morning, myself and the entire department are here for whatever the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office may need. Corporal Diaz, his loved ones, and all of CCSO are in our thoughts.”

A post on Facebook from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office read: “Sheriff Carmine Marceno and the entire Lee County Sheriff’s Office extend our deepest condolences to the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office on the murder of Corporal Elio Diaz during a traffic stop. Please keep Sheriff Bill Prummell and his CCSO family in your prayers. Our deepest condolences are with Corporal Diaz family and friends.”

The Fort Myers Police Department posted on Facebook: “Our hearts break for the family, friends and colleagues of Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office Corporal Elio Diaz. We pray you find comfort during the unimaginable loss.”

Gov. Ron DeSantis, via a post on “X,” said, “First Lady Casey Desantis and I pray for Corporal Diaz’s family, friends, and colleagues in the wake of his passing. And Florida honors and thanks Corporal Diaz for his service to his community.”

Congressman Byron Donalds on “X” Monday morning said, “Yesterday, we lost a hero. Our community, our state, & our nation are forever grateful for the courageous work of Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office Cpl. Elio Diaz. May God bless the Diaz family & may the memory of Elio’s selfless service to our nation be a blessing to us all.”