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.
Christian County, Mo. — Authorities have identified the suspect accused of fatally shooting a deputy with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office during a traffic stop as Richard Bird.
At the time the Blue Alert was issued, the suspect had not yet been taken into custody.
According to law enforcement officials, the deputy initiated a traffic stop involving a 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck along State Highway 160 near Highlandville.
During the stop, the suspect allegedly opened fire, fatally wounding the deputy before fleeing the scene.
The suspect was reported to have traveled southbound on Highway 160 following the shooting.
Authorities described the suspect vehicle as a black 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck equipped with a silver brush guard, black body trim, tinted rear windows, and a three-ball trailer hitch. The vehicle was bearing Missouri license plate 9MG-X36.
A statewide Blue Alert was issued to notify the public and assist in locating the suspect.
Law enforcement officials urged residents not to approach the vehicle or suspect if located, but instead to immediately call 911 and provide detailed information while remaining at a safe distance.
Christian County is situated south of Springfield and north of Branson, an area that sees significant travel due to its proximity to the Ozarks.
Multiple agencies across the region coordinated efforts in response to the alert.
Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting or the status of the investigation.
Law enforcement officials expressed their condolences to the deputy’s family, colleagues, and the community as they continue to pursue justice in the case.