INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, Fla. – A Florida sheriff’s deputy was fatally shot and another critically injured Friday while serving an eviction notice in a Vero Beach gated community, authorities said. The suspect, Michael Halberstam, also wounded a locksmith during the incident and remains in critical condition.
Fallen Deputy and Injured Colleagues
The deputy who died was Terri Mashkow, 47, a 25-year veteran of the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Eric Flowers said Mashkow had begun her career as a dispatcher before rising to patrol officer and had recently been reassigned to the legal process civil unit.
The wounded deputy, Florentino “Tino” Arizpe, has also served 25 years with the department. Sheriff Flowers said Mashkow is only the second deputy in the office’s 100-year history to die in the line of duty.
The Shooting
Halberstam, who lives in the home owned by his mother, opened fire on deputies and a locksmith as they attempted the eviction. “Almost all of [the calls to this home] were from the mother trying to evict her son,” Flowers said.
The deputies returned fire, striking Halberstam multiple times. Authorities said the suspect, born in 1988 and previously living in Virginia, has a criminal record that includes a 2006 narcotics charge and a 2015 misdemeanor assault charge. He had also been fired from UPS and made negative social media comments about the sheriff’s office.
Community Response
“This was a standard call for service. Our deputies bravely perform these everyday duties,” Flowers said, holding back tears. A procession honoring Mashkow is scheduled for Friday evening.
The sheriff emphasized the danger of routine calls and praised Mashkow’s dedication and service to the community: “She had a beautiful heart. She will be missed.”
Key Takeaways:
- Deputy Terri Mashkow killed during an eviction call in Vero Beach, Florida.
- Deputy Florentino Arizpe and a locksmith critically injured.
- Suspect Michael Halberstam in critical condition; has prior criminal record.
- Incident marks the second line-of-duty death in Indian River County Sheriff’s Office history.
