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

Authorities in Florida’s Indian River County are trying to piece together what happened during what should have been a routine eviction call that ended in death.

A sheriff’s officer was killed on Friday, November 21, when gunshots broke out when a woman’s son was being taken from her Vero Beach house.

The event happened at the mother’s request and resulted in injuries to another deputy.

A routine call becomes a scene of mayhem and violence.

One member of the crew dispatched to serve Michael Halberstam, whose mother owns the property, with an eviction notice was 47-year-old Deputy Terri Mashkow.

Sadly, the deputy passed away while doing the standard procedure.

At a press conference, Indian River County Sheriff Eric Flowers discussed the tragedy. “Six days before Thanksgiving, what a terrible day. This was a typical service request. The eviction is the regular call. routine tasks that our deputies courageously perform,” he remarked.

Mashkow went to the door of Halberstam’s house with another deputy and a locksmith to do their duties. Halberstam reportedly took out a gun and started shooting without warning before the team could finish the job.

In response, the deputies opened fire, hitting him many times. Officials claim that the locksmith and deputies were both hit by the suspect’s bullets. Officials subsequently revealed that Mashkow died while performing her duty after she sustained severe injuries.

Her loss caused Flowers to express evident anguish during the incident briefing, and colleagues regarded her as someone who was very dedicated to her community. “She had a beautiful heart, she will be missed,” Flowers remarked.

Following medical attention, the second deputy who was struck in the shoulder is currently on the mend. The deputy is expected to recover, according to Flowers, who said he had spoken with him at the hospital.

Emergence of Online Rants and the Suspect’s Troubled Past

Halberstam, meantime, was hospitalized in critical condition after initially surviving the shooting. On November 23, he passed away as a result of his injuries.

He had a prior criminal history that included a minor assault arrest and drug-related charges, officials said.

Investigators have not yet ascertained the reason behind his mother’s eviction action, nevertheless. The suspect also posted odd and worrisome things online, including remarks that were disparaging of the sheriff’s office, according to the authorities.

The posts’ connection to the shooting is still being investigated.

Investigators anticipate staying at the scene for a long time because there are still a lot of unresolved issues despite the fact that multiple agencies are already involved in the investigations.

Leading Authorities Discuss the Tragic Event

At separate press conferences on Friday, state representatives, including Attorney General James Uthmeier and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, addressed the tragedy.

“There is a lot going on,” stated DeSantis. Be assured that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement is actively involved, collaborating with the local community and the sheriff. We’ll wish for the finest outcome from that.

On X, on the other hand, Uthmeier wrote, “We know of an officer involved in a shooting in Indian River County.” We offer up prayers for the courageous law enforcement officials who risk their lives to safeguard Florida and our loved ones.

After his death, a heroic deputy was promoted.
The community is now waiting for further information on how a regular eviction turned into lethal violence, and Mashkow’s death is a tragic moment for the sheriff’s office.

Meanwhile, Mashkow has been honored by the sheriff’s office, which announced a posthumous promotion to sergeant. She will now be known as Sergeant Sweeting-Mashkow, the office stated.

Along with thanking the community for its support during this time of loss, officials said that after the plans are finished, the specifics of the funeral ceremony will be made public.

Family Uses Tributes to Speak Out

Mashkow’s family has expressed their sorrow as well. According to her cousin Joan Bennett, she had a very giving heart in addition to being strong and determined. “Everyone is stunned. We’re all stunned,” she continued.

Bennett has made the decision to cling to their happy memories as the tragedy weighs heavily on him. “She was a lovely person. Bennett said, “She cherished her dogs.”

Bennett added that Mashkow had a strong commitment to her family and gave her all to her job as a law enforcement officer. With unfailing care, she reared a teenage daughter and stepson.

Mashkow was regarded as an extraordinary mother who tirelessly dedicated herself to her work and her family. “She was a loyal, beautiful person who cared about her community and family,” Bennett said.

Bennett responded, “Helping the community, and she even helped in the community when she wasn’t on duty,” when asked what Mashkow was most proud of regarding her service. She was helpful to everyone

Bennett revealed that before leaving for work every morning, she would send Mashkow a prayer on Facebook, which Mashkow always appreciated.

Although she didn’t send that message on the morning of the shooting, she noted that she would regularly encourage her to keep careful. Mashkow’s husband expressed his admiration for her as well, stating, “She was an amazing woman, heart of gold.”

Mashkow’s influence on her family and community is evident, and although she will be sorely missed, her commitment and service will go on.