What began as a standard procedure ended in unspeakable loss for a Florida sheriff’s office last week. In Indian River County, a deputy was killed and another injured while attempting to serve an eviction notice at a home in Vero Beach. The call itself was not unusual; deputies regularly assist property owners with lawful removal requests. This time, the request came from a mother seeking to have her adult son removed from her property. The situation, however, escalated with devastating speed.
Authorities report that Deputy Terri Mashkow, along with a fellow deputy and a locksmith, arrived at the residence to carry out the eviction. As they approached the door to serve Michael Halberstam, the situation turned violent without warning. Investigators state that Halberstam produced a firearm and opened fire on the team. The deputies returned fire, striking the suspect multiple times. In the exchange, Deputy Mashkow and the second deputy were both hit by gunfire. Tragically, Deputy Mashkow succumbed to her injuries at the scene, dying in the line of duty.
The second deputy, who was shot in the shoulder, was transported to a hospital and is expected to make a full recovery. The suspect, Halberstam, was also critically injured in the shootout and died from his wounds two days later. The locksmith present during the incident was reportedly unharmed. The community and the sheriff’s office are now left to grapple with the shocking outcome of what should have been a routine civil matter.
Indian River County Sheriff Eric Flowers addressed the media with visible emotion, calling the event a “terrible day” just six days before Thanksgiving. He remembered Deputy Mashkow as an officer with a “beautiful heart” who was deeply dedicated to her community. In honor of her service and sacrifice, the sheriff’s office has posthumously promoted her to the rank of sergeant. She will now be formally known as Sergeant Terri Sweeting-Mashkow.
As the investigation continues, authorities are piecing together the suspect’s background, which includes a prior criminal history. They are also examining troubling social media posts he made, some of which contained disparaging remarks about law enforcement. The precise motive behind the mother’s eviction request and the suspect’s violent reaction remain under active investigation by multiple agencies, including the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable dangers law enforcement officers face every day.
