Officer Dead, Two Injured While Trying to Remove Woman's Son at Her Request – What Happened

Authorities in Indian River County, Florida, are piecing together the events that unfolded during what was expected to be a routine eviction call that turned deadly.

On Friday, November 21, a sheriff's deputy lost her life after gunfire erupted during an attempt to remove a woman's son from her Vero Beach home. Another deputy was wounded in the incident, which unfolded at the mother's request.

Standard Call Turns Into a Scene of Chaos and Bloodshed

Deputy Terri Mashkow, 47, was among the team sent to serve an eviction notice to Michael Halberstam, whose mother owns the property. Sadly, she died during the routine procedure.

Indian River County Sheriff Eric Flowers spoke out about the tragedy during a press conference. "What an awful day, six days before Thanksgiving. This was a standard call for service. This is the everyday call, the eviction. Regular duties that our deputies bravely do," he said.

Alongside another deputy and a locksmith, Mashkow approached the entryway of Halberstam's residence to carry out their duty. Before the team could complete the task, Halberstam reportedly retrieved a firearm and opened fire without warning.

The deputies responded with fire, striking him multiple times. According to officials, the suspect's gunfire struck both deputies and the locksmith. Mashkow suffered fatal injuries, and officials later confirmed that she lost her life while carrying out her duties.

Colleagues described her as someone deeply committed to her community, and her loss prompted visible grief from Flowers during the briefing on the incident. "She had a beautiful heart, she will be missed," Flowers said.

The second deputy was hit in the shoulder and is now recovering after receiving medical care. Flowers noted that he had spoken to him at the hospital and that the deputy is expected to heal.

Suspect's Troubled Past and Online Rants Emerge

Meanwhile, Halberstam initially survived the shooting and was hospitalized in critical condition. He later died from his injuries on November 23. According to officials, he had a past record that included narcotics-related charges and a misdemeanor assault.

However, investigators have not yet determined what led his mother to initiate the eviction. Authorities also revealed that the suspect had posted unusual and concerning content online, including messages critical of the sheriff's office. The relevance of those posts to the shooting is still under review.

Multiple agencies are currently involved in the investigations, but with many questions still unanswered, investigators expect to remain at the scene for an extended period.

Top Officials Comment on Tragic Event

State officials, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Attorney General James Uthmeier, acknowledged the tragedy during separate press events on Friday.

DeSantis said, "There is a lot going on. Just know Florida Department of Law Enforcement is engaged, working with the sheriff and the local community. We will hope for the best results of that."

In contrast, Uthmeier wrote on X, "We are aware of an officer involved shooting in Indian River County. We are praying for the brave officers who put their lives on the line to protect Florida and our families."

Heroic Deputy Promoted After Death

The loss of Mashkow marks a devastating moment for the sheriff's office, and the community now awaits further clarity on how a routine eviction spiraled into deadly violence.

In the meantime, the sheriff's office has taken steps to honor Mashkow by announcing a posthumous promotion to the rank of sergeant. The office noted that she will now be referred to as Sergeant Sweeting-Mashkow.

Officials also thanked the community for its support during this period of mourning and stated that the funeral service details would be released once the arrangements are finalized.

Family Speaks Out Through Tributes

Mashkow's family has also shared their grief. Her cousin, Joan Bennett, described her as someone who combined toughness and determination with an exceptionally generous heart. "We're all in shock. We're all in shock," she added.

As the weight of the tragedy settles in, Bennett has chosen to hold onto the positive memories they shared. "She was a sweetheart. She loved her dogs," shared Bennett.

Bennett also noted that Mashkow devoted herself fully to her work in law enforcement while also being deeply committed to her family. She raised a teenage daughter and stepson with unwavering care.

Mashkow was remembered as an exceptional mother who poured her heart and energy into both her home life and her career. "She was a loyal, beautiful person who cared about her community and family," noted Bennett.

When asked what made Mashkow proudest about her service, Bennett said, "Helping the community, and she even helped in the community when she wasn't on duty. She helped them all."

Bennett shared that she would send Mashkow a prayer on Facebook each morning before she left for work, a gesture Mashkow always acknowledged.

She added that she would routinely remind her to stay safe, though she missed sending that message on the morning of the shooting. Mashkow's husband also spoke fondly of her, saying, "She was an amazing woman, heart of gold."

Mashkow's impact on both her community and family is clear, and while she will be deeply missed, she will be remembered through her dedication and service.