In a tragic incident in Vero Beach, Florida, a sheriff’s deputy was killed while serving an eviction notice early this morning. The Indian River County Sheriff’s Office reported that the shooting took place at approximately 11:37 AM at a residence on Governor’s Way in the Bermuda Club Somerset Bay community. The eviction involved Michael Halberstam, a man born in 1988, who was being evicted by his mother.
According to officials, as the deputies and a locksmith attempted to enter the home, Halberstam retrieved a weapon and began firing indiscriminately at the deputies. Deputy Terri Sweeting-Mashkoor, a 25-year veteran of the force, was killed in the line of duty. She was 47 years old. Another deputy, Lieutenant Florentino Rigsby, was shot in the shoulder but is currently recovering at Lawnwood Hospital. The locksmith who was present during the incident is listed in critical condition after being injured by gunfire.
The suspects’ history includes a 2006 narcotics charge and a 2015 misdemeanor assault charge from Virginia. This incident marks the second line-of-duty death in the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office’s 100-year history, a sobering milestone for the community and the law enforcement agency. Sheriff Eric Flowers expressed deep sadness over the loss, stating that Sweeting-Mashkoor had dedicated her life to serving the community, beginning her career as a dispatcher before moving on to patrol and eventually the Civil Unit.
Authorities revealed that they had received multiple calls related to Halberstam in the days leading up to this incident, primarily from his mother who was concerned about her son. The sheriff’s office indicated that the suspect had been posting alarming comments on social media and had been recently fired from his job at UPS.
As the investigation unfolds, the sheriff’s office emphasizes that this was supposed to be a routine eviction, an occurrence they handle frequently without incident. The community is now mourning the loss of Sweeting-Mashkoor, remembered for her dedication and service, while also supporting the injured deputy and locksmith. The sheriff’s office continues to meet with the families affected by this tragedy, ensuring they receive the necessary support during this difficult time.
The incident highlights the dangers law enforcement officers can face during what are typically routine duties. The investigative team is expected to provide updates as they gather more information in the coming days.