A routine eviction in Vero Beach turned tragic Friday morning when Deputy Terri Mashkow, 47, was shot and killed while responding to a call at a gated community. The shooter, identified as Michael Halberstam, opened fire on deputies during the eviction process, according to the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office.
25-Year Veteran Deputy Killed in the Line of Duty
Mashkow, a respected 25-year veteran, is now only the second deputy in the agency’s 100-year history to lose her life in the line of duty. Two additional deputies were also struck by gunfire and remain hospitalized.
The shooting occurred in the 1100 block of Governors Way, about 140 miles north of Miami.
Deputy Terri Mashkow was killed and two others injured after suspect Michael Halberstam opened fire during a Vero Beach eviction. Halberstam is in critical condition.#MichaelHalberstam #VeroBeach #FloridaNews #BreakingNews #DeputyShot #LawEnforcement pic.twitter.com/ZbtdqWBlBD
— LoudFact (@loudfactcom) November 21, 2025
Sheriff: Eviction Call Was ‘Standard’ Before Gunfire Erupted
Sheriff Eric Flowers stated the deputies were assisting with an eviction requested by the suspect’s family when the situation turned violent. He said the suspect had not previously been on law enforcement’s radar, describing the incident as a “standard call for service.”
Florida Leaders Respond to Tragic Shooting
Attorney General James Uthmeier and Gov. Ron DeSantis both confirmed the incident and expressed support for the deputies and their families during the ongoing investigation.
Who Is Michael Halberstam?
Suspect in Critical Condition After Confrontation
The gunman has been identified as Michael Halberstam, a man in his late 30s who was shot by deputies during the standoff. He underwent emergency surgery and remains in critical condition, authorities said.
Background and Prior Record
Officials confirmed that Halberstam has a criminal history in Virginia, and deputies had previously responded to at least one call for service at the same residence. No additional details about his background or motive have been released.
