Loss of a Hero: Vero Beach Deputy Killed in Shooting

Mon Nov 24 2025 00:35:25 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A deputy in Indian River County, Florida, was killed during an eviction notice confrontation, with the gunman later succumbing to his injuries. This incident has shaken the local community and law enforcement.

A tragic incident unfolded in Vero Beach, Florida, where Deputy Terri Sweeting-Mashkow was fatally shot during an eviction process. Authorities reported that the gunman, Michael Halberstam, was shot multiple times by officers and later died from his injuries. Sweeting-Mashkow, a dedicated law enforcement officer with 25 years of service, has been posthumously promoted to sergeant, marking a somber chapter for the Indian River County Sheriff’s Department.

VERO BEACH, Fla. — Tragedy struck in Vero Beach, Florida, when a gunman shot two deputies and a locksmith during an eviction attempt, leading to the death of Deputy Terri Sweeting-Mashkow. The incident occurred as deputies from the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office arrived to serve an eviction notice at the home of 37-year-old Michael Halberstam.

Details of the confrontation reveal that Halberstam opened fire, striking the officers and a locksmith who was assisting with the eviction. Deputy Sweeting-Mashkow succumbed to her injuries, while another deputy is recovering from a shoulder wound and the locksmith remains in critical condition after undergoing surgery.

Indian River County Sheriff Eric Flowers reported that the sheriff's office was familiar with the residence, having received multiple calls in the past month, mostly concerning Halberstam’s behavior. However, deputies did not anticipate violence when they arrived for the routine eviction process.

In an emotional response, Sheriff Flowers expressed profound sadness over the loss of his long-time colleague. Sweeting-Mashkow was a dedicated law enforcement officer with over 25 years of service, and she was posthumously promoted to sergeant following the incident.

This heartbreaking event serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officers daily as they perform their duties to protect and serve the community.