A Florida deputy was shot dead and another was wounded after a violent exchange during an eviction attempt on Bermuda Club, a gated community on Orchid Island near Vero Beach. The attackers were the homeowner’s son, 37‑year‑old Michael Halberstam, and a locksmith who was helping his mother enforce a court order.
Deputy Terri Sweeting‑Mashkow, a 47‑year‑old officer with 25 years on the force, was killed when Halberstam opened fire as the team entered the house early Friday morning. The third deputy, Florentino “Tino” Arizpe, was hit in the shoulder and fled into the garage, while the locksmith was left in critical condition. Officer Gary Carlos responded and fired back, striking Halberstam several times. The gunman was transported to a Fort Pierce hospital in critical condition.
Sweeting‑Mashkow had served the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office for 25 years and was widely respected for her dedication. Sheriff Eric Flowers said the shooting occurred on what had been a routine civil‑service call. He called the deputy “an amazing person with a beautiful heart” and said the loss would be felt for a long time.
The incident follows a series of visits to the same house. Authorities note that the sheriff’s office responded to the residence seven times in November, mostly after calls from Halberstam’s mother. His Mother demands the son be removed from the property under a court order. Records show the son had a previous narcotics charge in 2006 and a misdemeanor assault case in 2015, but nothing that would have legally barred him from owning a firearm.
After the shooting, a solemn procession carried Sweeting‑Mashkow’s flag‑draped coffin from the scene to a medical examiner’s office in Fort Pierce. The ceremony drew a crowd of law enforcement and community members, and a large American flag was flown from an Interstate 95 overpass as the motorcade passed.
The sheriff’s office released a tribute that praised Sweeting‑Mashkow’s service and promised that her memory would be honored through continued integrity, courage, and compassion. State leaders quickly offered support. Florida First Lady Casey De Santis said she and Governor Ron De Santis were praying for the officers and their families, and Attorney General James Uthmeier expressed prayers for all affected.
Halberstam’s family, represented by a Vero Beach law firm, released a statement expressing deep sorrow at the tragedy and requested privacy as they mourn. The incident underscores the risks many Florida police officers face during routine tasks and the importance of safe eviction practices.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
