Indian River County Deputy Fatally Shot Serving Eviction Notice in Vero Beach
A pall has fallen over Indian River County, Florida, following a tragic incident in Vero Beach where a sheriff’s deputy was killed and another injured while serving a routine eviction notice. The community is grappling with the profound loss of Deputy Terri Mashkow, 47, whose life was cut short in the line of duty just days before Thanksgiving.
A Routine Call Turns Deadly in Indian River County
The harrowing events unfolded on Friday as Deputy Mashkow, alongside another deputy and a locksmith, approached a residence in Vero Beach. They were there to serve an eviction notice to Michael Halberstam, at the request of his mother, the property owner. What began as a standard procedure—a common duty for law enforcement officers—quickly escalated into a deadly confrontation.
According to Indian River County Sheriff Eric Flowers, as the deputies entered the home’s entryway, Halberstam retrieved a weapon and began firing indiscriminately. Deputies returned fire, striking the suspect multiple times. This sudden and violent outburst transformed a routine call into a scene of unimaginable tragedy, leaving an indelible mark on the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office and the broader community.
Mourning a Hero: Deputy Terri Mashkow
The fatal shooting claimed the life of Deputy Terri Mashkow, a dedicated public servant described by Sheriff Flowers as having “a beautiful heart.” Holding back tears during a press conference, Sheriff Flowers emphasized Mashkow “gave her life to this community,” leaving behind a legacy of bravery and commitment. The second deputy, shot in the shoulder, is thankfully recovering in the hospital, a small solace amidst the overwhelming grief.
Sheriff Flowers articulated the deep sorrow felt by his department, highlighting the bravery inherent in the everyday duties deputies perform. “This was the everyday call, the eviction. Regular duties that our deputies bravely do,” he stated, underscoring the unexpected danger that law enforcement officers face daily in communities like Indian River County.
Investigation Underway and Community Impact
The suspect, Michael Halberstam, who has a history of narcotics and misdemeanor assault charges, remains in critical condition. Investigators have also reportedly uncovered “strange posts” on Halberstam’s social media, including “negative items” directed at the sheriff’s office, adding another layer of complexity to the investigation. The motive behind his mother’s decision to evict him remains undisclosed.
Officials from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) quickly became engaged, working closely with the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office. Governor Ron DeSantis and Attorney General James Uthmeier acknowledged the shooting during separate press conferences, with Uthmeier holding a moment of silence in remembrance of the fallen deputy. This statewide response underscores the severity of the incident and the strong network of support for law enforcement across Florida.
The scene of the shooting in Vero Beach is expected to remain active for an extended period as investigators piece together the full scope of this devastating event. The focus for Indian River County now shifts to supporting the Mashkow family and the grieving sheriff’s office, as they navigate this profound loss.
This is a developing story, and further updates will be provided as details emerge from the ongoing investigation into this heartbreaking incident in Indian River County, Florida.
