A Punta Gorda man who witnessed the deadly shooting of Sgt. Elio Diaz is calling for unity and peace in the wake of the tragedy.
Zen J. Jackson described the horrifying moments that unfolded during what began as a normal Sunday running errands with his family.
"What felt like five minutes was probably like three seconds, 10 tops, but it felt like everything just slowed down," Jackson said. "Like when I say time slowed down, I felt like I was literally standing there."
Jackson was driving along U.S. 41 when gunshots erupted near a Chevron gas station.
"We hear seven shots go off over a body that’s been laying down," Jackson said. "As I'm watching it, I see a guy get into a van confidently and with so much adrenaline, just after releasing seven shots. I turned around as if I shouldn't have seen it."
The Charlotte County Sheriff's Office confirmed that 24-year-old Andrew Mostyn Jr. shot and killed Diaz during a traffic stop. Afterward, Mostyn led deputies on a chase that ended 15 minutes away at a Popeyes along Kings Highway. When Mostyn attempted to pull out his rifle again, deputies shot and killed him.
Witnessing the tragedy firsthand, Jackson said he hopes something good can come out of such heartbreak.
"Send the message that only goodness should come out of this, as far as rehabilitating the community with officers," Jackson said. "I just want to say thank you to every officer out there who puts their life on the line and or staying up all night, staying away from their family."
The overwhelming support for Diaz has been clear across Charlotte County. Earlier Monday, NBC2 spoke with two women tying ribbons on poles along U.S. 41 to honor his memory. One of the women knew Diaz personally. The two said this small gesture was her way of paying tribute to his service and sacrifice.
The loss of Diaz has shaken the community, but it has also brought people together to mourn, remember, and honor his legacy.