CRBC News
Politics
Conflict
Security
Economy
Science
Technology
Environment
Health
Culture
Society
Lifestyle
Security

Florida Deputy Killed, Two Others Wounded After Suspect Opens Fire During Eviction in Vero Beach

02:29 AM, 11/23/2025
Florida Deputy Killed, Two Others Wounded After Suspect Opens Fire During Eviction in Vero Beach

Deputy Terri Mashkow, 47, was fatally shot on Nov. 21 after a man opened fire when deputies and a locksmith attempted an eviction in Vero Beach. Another deputy was wounded in the shoulder and a locksmith was critically injured and taken to surgery; the suspect was also hospitalized. Sheriff Eric Flowers cited troubling social media posts by the suspect and said state and federal agencies are involved. The FBI confirmed Mashkow is survived by her husband and daughter as the investigation continues.

A veteran Indian River County deputy, Terri Mashkow, 47, was killed and two other people were injured after a man opened fire when deputies and a locksmith attempted to carry out an eviction in Vero Beach, Florida, on Friday, Nov. 21.

Indian River County Sheriff Eric Flowers said Mashkow and two fellow deputies entered the home in the gated Bermuda Club community with a locksmith at the request of a resident who wanted her son removed. The suspect, identified as Michael Halberstam, allegedly retrieved a weapon in the entryway and began firing, the sheriff said.

Casualties and response

The sheriff confirmed that Deputy Terri Mashkow died at the scene. Another deputy was shot in the shoulder; the third deputy was not struck but discharged his weapon. The locksmith who accompanied the officers was critically injured and was taken to the hospital for surgery. Halberstam was also wounded and transported to the hospital in critical condition.

Background and investigation

Sheriff Flowers said investigators found troubling social media posts by Halberstam and that the department had received multiple calls from his mother in the month before the shooting. He noted Halberstam’s prior arrests included a narcotics charge in 2006 and a misdemeanor case in Virginia in 2015.

Sheriff Flowers described Mashkow as a 25-year veteran of the Indian River County Sheriff's Office who gave her life in the line of duty and praised her character and service to the community.

State investigators from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement have joined the local probe, and federal authorities have offered support. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said state agencies are coordinating with local officials as the investigation continues. The FBI posted that Mashkow is survived by her husband and daughter and extended condolences and support.

Authorities have not released additional details about the ongoing medical conditions of the injured or any new charges related to the shooting. The investigation remains active.

Similar Articles

Trending