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.
OWINGS MILLS, Md. (Baltimore County) — Authorities are investigating a multiple-victim stabbing that left two people critically injured in Owings Mills.
According to preliminary information, Baltimore County Police and emergency medical personnel responded to the 12300 block of Greenspring Avenue following reports of a stabbing.
Upon arrival, first responders located two victims suffering from severe stab wounds, both classified as priority-one patients.
Emergency crews requested a medical helicopter due to the seriousness of the injuries.
A landing zone was established at Ridge Road and Greenspring Avenue.
One victim was transported by medevac, while the second victim was transported by ground ambulance to a nearby trauma center.
Initial reports indicate that the caller may have stabbed both of his parents.
Police confirmed that a possible suspect has been detained at the scene.
Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims or the suspect.
The investigation remains active and ongoing, and additional information will be released as it becomes available.