Routine Eviction Turns Deadly in Florida
Authorities in Indian River County, Florida, are investigating a tragic incident that began as a routine eviction call. What was expected to be a standard procedure turned into a deadly confrontation, leaving a sheriff’s deputy dead and another injured.
Deputy Terri Mashkow Killed in Gunfire
On Friday, November 21, Deputy Terri Mashkow, 47, lost her life while attempting to remove a woman’s son, Michael Halberstam, from his Vero Beach home. Another deputy was wounded in the shoulder, and a locksmith also suffered injuries.
Indian River County Sheriff Eric Flowers described the tragedy during a press conference: “What an awful day, six days before Thanksgiving. This was a standard call for service—regular duties that our deputies bravely perform.”
Incident Unfolds
Mashkow, another deputy, and a locksmith approached Halberstam’s residence to serve an eviction notice at his mother’s request. Authorities say Halberstam suddenly retrieved a firearm and opened fire. The deputies returned fire, striking him multiple times.
Officials confirmed that Mashkow died in the line of duty. The second deputy is recovering in the hospital and is expected to fully heal. Flowers said he spoke with the injured deputy personally.