On Tuesday, a heartfelt procession of police vehicles traveled through the streets to honor Cuban-American Sergeant Elio Díaz, who was tragically killed during a traffic stop last Sunday. The tribute to Sergeant Díaz continues to grow: from the makeshift memorial at the Chevron station where he lost his life to the poignant motorcade that journeyed to Venice and returned to Charlotte County, residents have come together to pay their respects.
"Being part of this today was extremely solemn for us," expressed Charlie Thorpe, chief of the Venice Police Department. "It was an honor for us to be part of that, ensuring they reached the funeral home safely and respectfully," he added.
Officers from various agencies collaborated to escort the funeral procession to and from Farley Funeral Home in Venice. Among them were the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office, North Port Police Department, Venice Fire Department, and Florida Highway Patrol. In addition to law enforcement and rescue agencies, the community also showed their support spontaneously.
Chief Thorpe also expressed his sympathy toward Sheriff Bill Prummell, who leads the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office, acknowledging the personal impact of such a loss. "As a leader of an agency, I know what he's going through right now. It's something that hits close to home. Unfortunately, we see these kinds of tragedies occur too often," said Thorpe.
Upcoming Tributes for Sergeant Elio Díaz
The Charlotte County Sheriff's Office has announced a public viewing for Sergeant Elio Díaz's remains this Thursday at Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. His funeral, also open to the public, will take place this Friday at the sports pavilion in Babcock Ranch. Details of the procession route are expected to be confirmed and shared as soon as they become available.
Sergeant Elio Díaz, a Cuban-born officer from Charlotte County, was shot and killed during a traffic stop last Sunday, leaving the community and the police force he served for more than a decade in shock. Born in Cuba, Díaz immigrated to the United States at the age of nine, settling with his family in the Miami area.
At 30 years old, in 2013, he joined the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office, where he built an exemplary career that earned him numerous accolades. On the afternoon of last Sunday, December 15, Elio Díaz stopped a vehicle at a Chevron gas station located on Tamiami Trail near Charlotte Harbor. During the traffic stop, 23-year-old Andrew Mostyn Jr. opened fire on the officer with a rifle, fatally injuring him. Although Officer Elio Díaz was rushed to a hospital that afternoon, he sadly passed away.
The assailant fled the scene but was later located by officers. When he attempted to resist and brandished his weapon again, he was shot and killed.
FAQs on the Tribute to Sergeant Elio Díaz
What events took place to honor Sergeant Elio Díaz?
A heartfelt motorcade and a makeshift memorial were organized to honor Sergeant Elio Díaz. The procession traveled to Venice and back to Charlotte County, allowing the community to pay their respects.
When and where will the public viewing and funeral be held?
The public viewing will be held this Thursday at Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The funeral will take place on Friday at the sports pavilion in Babcock Ranch.
What was the outcome of the incident involving Sergeant Elio Díaz?
Sergeant Elio Díaz was fatally shot during a traffic stop by Andrew Mostyn Jr., who was later located and killed by officers after attempting to resist arrest.