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.
Crime
Walls Police Officer Da’Quarius Burton Injured in Deadly Mississippi Crash, Mother Confirms He Is Alive and Safe
DESOTO COUNTY, Mississippi — Walls Police Officer Da’Quarius Burton was injured in a deadly two-vehicle collision on U.S. Highway 61 in DeSoto County, Mississippi, but his mother has confirmed that he is alive, safe and recovering following the crash.
Burton, 27, of Memphis, Tennessee, was driving a Dodge Durango involved in the collision shortly after 8 p.m. Wednesday at the intersection of U.S. Highway 61 and Church Road in Walls.
The crash claimed the lives of three people traveling in a Honda Accord. The incident also left another passenger injured and involved employees of the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office Juvenile Detention Center.
Following the crash, misinformation circulated online suggesting that Burton had died and that he was a juvenile detention officer.
His mother, Tee Burton, publicly addressed the reports, firmly correcting the information and asking people to stop sharing unverified claims.
She confirmed that her son is alive, safe and okay. She also emphasized that he is not a juvenile detention officer.
In her statement, she expressed disappointment over reports falsely identifying her son as one of the people who died in the collision.
She also acknowledged the families who lost loved ones and urged the public to show compassion toward everyone affected by the tragedy.
Her statement included the following message:
“My son is alive!!! He is safe, and he is okay!!!”
She further asked people to verify information before publishing or reposting details that could cause unnecessary emotional distress to families.
According to the Mississippi Highway Patrol, a northbound Dodge Durango traveling on U.S. Highway 61 collided with a westbound Honda Accord traveling on Church Road.
Three occupants of the Honda were pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities identified the victims as:
- Latasha N. Dodson, 37, of Horn Lake, Mississippi, the Honda driver.
- Eddie L. Dodson Jr., 41, of Byhalia, Mississippi.
- Tamenshia R. Ford, 32, of Horn Lake, Mississippi.
Burton and another passenger in the Honda survived the collision but sustained injuries and were transported to a local hospital. Their specific medical conditions have not been publicly detailed in the information provided.
The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that two people involved in the crash were employees of its Juvenile Detention Center.
One of those employees was Tamenshia R. Ford, who died in the collision. The second employee was seriously injured.
Sheriff Thomas E. Tuggle II expressed condolences following the death of the employee, describing the person as a respected and beloved member of the department.
“Our fallen officer was a respected and beloved member of our team,” Tuggle said.
The sheriff’s office also recognized the employee’s dedication, compassion and commitment to working with young people entrusted to the facility’s care.
State officials confirmed that the Dodge Durango involved in the collision belonged to the Walls Police Department.
The city’s mayor and police chief also confirmed that a Walls police officer was involved in the crash. Burton’s mother has since clarified that her son is the officer and that he survived.
An SUV displaying Walls Police Department identification was seen being towed from the crash scene Wednesday night.
The Mississippi Highway Patrol is leading the investigation into the fatal collision.
Investigators are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash. Authorities have not released additional details about what led to the vehicles colliding.
The crash resulted in three deaths and left multiple people injured. Burton’s family has asked the public to respect the victims and their loved ones while avoiding the spread of false information.
The investigation remains ongoing.