INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, Fla. — A routine civil service operation turned deadly Friday morning when gunfire erupted during the delivery of an eviction notice at a residence in the Bermuda Club community north of Vero Beach. Authorities have confirmed that Deputy Terri Mashkow was killed in the line of duty, and two additional individuals—including another deputy and a locksmith—were injured in the violent encounter.
The shooting occurred around 11:37 a.m. at 1137 Governor’s Way, where three deputies with the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office arrived to serve a lawful eviction order to 37-year-old Michael Halberstam.
According to Sheriff Eric Flowers, the deputies approached the residence under standard protocol, unaware that the situation would escalate. Without warning, Halberstam retrieved a firearm and opened fire on them, unleashing a barrage of bullets that turned a routine civil service into one of the most devastating events in the agency’s history.
Deputy Terri Mashkow Killed in the Line of Duty
During the sudden exchange of gunfire, Deputy Terri Mashkow, 47, was fatally struck. Deputy Mashkow was a 25-year veteran of the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office, a respected public servant, and a deeply admired colleague. Sheriff Flowers described her as “a dedicated, compassionate team member whose presence, professionalism, and commitment to the community will be profoundly missed.”
Her death marks only the second line-of-duty death in the sheriff’s office’s 100-year history, underscoring the profound impact of this tragedy on the agency and the community at large.
Two Additional Individuals Wounded
A second deputy was shot in the shoulder. He was transported with police escort to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital in Fort Pierce, where officials say he is expected to survive.
A locksmith assisting the deputies during the eviction was also critically wounded. He was rushed into emergency surgery and remains in critical condition as physicians continue to fight for his life.
Suspect Shot and in Critical Condition
Deputies returned fire, striking Halberstam. Sheriff Flowers confirmed that he was transported to the hospital in critical condition and is currently undergoing surgery.
Although Halberstam was not previously flagged as dangerous, Sheriff Flowers noted that the suspect’s mother had contacted law enforcement seven times in the past month, seeking assistance and ultimately requesting that her son be removed from the property. Still, Flowers emphasized that there had been nothing in recent interactions indicating violence was imminent.
“This was a routine call,” Sheriff Flowers stated. “Halberstam was not on our radar as a threat. There was no intelligence suggesting an elevated risk.”
Massive Law Enforcement Response
In the wake of the attack, a large-scale law enforcement mobilization swept across Indian River County and surrounding areas. Witnesses reported long lines of sheriff’s vehicles, unmarked units, and a tactical armored vehicle racing along U.S. Highway 1.
Helicopters from Martin and St. Lucie counties were deployed to support the operation.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis publicly addressed the incident, stating:
“We are closely monitoring the situation. Three law enforcement officers were shot, and the suspect is being handled. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is actively engaged and working with local authorities. We are hoping for the best possible outcome.”
Investigation Ongoing
The investigation remains active and is being led jointly by the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, with additional support from multiple agencies across the region.
Authorities will release further updates as more information becomes available regarding the suspect’s condition, the injured victims, and the circumstances that led to the deadly encounter.
For now, the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office—and the community it serves—are mourning the loss of a veteran deputy, praying for the recovery of the injured, and grappling with the tragic reminder of the dangers faced by those who serve.
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