Crime
Female Deputy Terri Mashkow Killed, Two Others Shot While Serving Eviction Notice in Indian River County
INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, Fla. — A routine civil service operation turned deadly Friday morning when gunfire erupted during the delivery of an eviction notice at a residence in the Bermuda Club community north of Vero Beach.
Authorities have confirmed that one deputy was killed and two additional individuals were injured, including another deputy and a locksmith.
The shooting occurred at approximately 1137 Governor’s Way as three deputies with the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office attempted to serve a lawful eviction order to 37-year-old Michael Halberstam.
According to Sheriff Eric Flowers, Halberstam retrieved a firearm and opened fire on the deputies without warning.
During the exchange, Deputy Terri Mashkow, 47, was fatally shot. Mashkow had served with the agency for more than 25 years and was described by Sheriff Flowers as a dedicated public servant and respected member of the sheriff’s office.
A second deputy sustained a gunshot wound to the shoulder and was transported to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital in Fort Pierce, where he is expected to recover. A locksmith assisting with the eviction was also critically wounded and remains in surgery.
The confrontation resulted in deputies returning fire, striking Halberstam. Sheriff Flowers confirmed he is in critical condition and also undergoing surgery.
Sheriff Flowers stated the suspect was not previously considered a threat, explaining:
“This was a routine call. Halberstam was not on our radar and was not someone we were actively monitoring. There was nothing about the eviction service itself that indicated an elevated risk.”
However, deputies confirmed that Halberstam’s mother had contacted law enforcement seven times in the past month, and it was her request to have her son removed from the property.
This incident marks only the second line-of-duty death in the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office’s 100-year history.
In response to the shooting, a large law enforcement presence mobilized across the region.
Witnesses reported seeing dozens of sheriff’s vehicles, unmarked units, and an armored tactical response vehicle traveling at high speed along U.S. Highway 1. Helicopters from Martin and St. Lucie counties also assisted.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis addressed the incident publicly, stating:
“We are closely monitoring the situation. Three law enforcement officers were shot, and the suspect is being handled. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is actively engaged and working with local authorities. We are hoping for the best possible outcome.”
The investigation remains active, led by the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and other supporting agencies.
Further updates will be released as more information becomes available.
Coffee County, Ala. — A homicide investigation is underway after a fatal shooting at a residence near Kinston on Monday morning, authorities confirmed.
According to Coffee County Sheriff Scott Byrd, deputies responded at approximately 7:51 a.m. to a reported shooting along County Road 483, just off County Road 89 in the Kinston area.
Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered a deceased individual at the scene.
Officials later indicated the shooting stemmed from a domestic dispute between two individuals, though additional details have not yet been released.
Authorities identified the suspect as Joseph Levi Jackson, who was wanted in connection with the shooting death of his father.
Jackson was initially reported to have fled the scene on foot and was considered armed and dangerous.
The search involved multiple agencies, including the Coffee County Sheriff’s Department, Covington County Sheriff’s Office, Geneva County Sheriff’s Office, and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), including troopers and State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) agents.
State tracking dogs were deployed as part of the coordinated search effort, particularly near Hattaway Road and Charolais Road, off Covington County Road 89.
Jackson was last described as wearing a black and red flannel shirt, blue jeans, and a black baseball cap.
Law enforcement urged residents not to approach the suspect and to contact 911 with any information.
Following an intensive search, Sheriff Byrd confirmed that Jackson was located and taken into custody without further incident.
Authorities have not yet announced formal charges but confirmed that the investigation is being led by ALEA.
The suspect’s temporary flight prompted Kinston School to delay its opening on Monday morning. School officials later announced a full closure for the day out of an abundance of caution.
In a statement, school administrators thanked local law enforcement for their swift and professional response, emphasizing that the safety of students, staff, and families remains their top priority.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue processing the scene and gathering additional information.