The Charlotte County community is mourning the loss of Sgt. Elio Diaz , who was shot and killed during a traffic stop Sunday.
The Charlotte County Sheriff's Office said Andrew Mostyn Jr. , 24, shot Diaz near a Chevron gas station along U.S. 41.
Mostyn then led deputies on a chase that ended at a Popeyes restaurant along Kings Highway, where CCSO deputies shot and killed him after he attempted to pull his rifle out again.
Kallie Rowe, a friend of Mostyn, told NBC2 that Mostyn was an avid hunter but never knew he was capable of anything like this.
Rowe said she had known Mostyn for three years. "There are bits and pieces that he said about what he was going through, but it was always just ... 'We'll get through it, and things happen, and everything will be good,'" Rowe said.
Rowe described Mostyn as a good person who cared about others, especially his golden retriever Koda, who is now at a Charlotte County animal shelter.
"His whole life really revolved around his dog. He loved Koda and would do anything for him," Rowe said. "He was just a great guy in general. I know I'm going to miss him."
Tributes have been pouring in for Diaz , who was a father of four. A memorial service has been scheduled to honor Diaz.
The memorial service will be held on Friday, Dec. 20, at 10 a.m. at Babcock Ranch Field House, 43281 Cypress Parkway, Punta Gorda. It is open to the public.
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