Sergeant Elio Diaz was shot and killed during a traffic stop shortly after 3:00 p.m. at 4968 Tamiami Trail in Charlotte Harbor.
During the stop, the driver pulled out a rifle and fired at Sergeant Diaz before fleeing. When he was found a few miles away, the suspect reached for his rifle and was shot and killed by deputies.
Sergeant Diaz was transported to ShorePoint Health Port Charlotte, where he succumbed to his wounds.
Sergeant Diaz had served with the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office for over 11 years. He is survived by his wife and four children.
Sergeant Diaz was posthumously promoted to Sergeant.
Source: ODMP