Officer Killed, Two Others Injured During Eviction Attempt as Investigators Examine Deadly Chain of Events
A routine civil-process call in Vero Beach, Florida, turned into one of Indian River County’s most devastating days, leaving a veteran deputy dead, two others injured, and an entire community grappling with the consequences of a rapidly escalating encounter.
The incident began on November 21, 2025, when deputies from the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office were sent to the Bermuda Club, a quiet, gated neighborhood situated along Florida’s eastern coastline. Their assignment was to deliver an eviction notice to 37-year-old Michael Halberstam, a task requested by his mother and handled as part of the sheriff’s office’s regular civil-process responsibilities.
To ensure the eviction could be completed without complications, a licensed locksmith accompanied the deputies—a standard precaution under Florida law when access to a residence may be required. What began as a procedural visit, however, quickly unraveled into a deadly confrontation.
As the deputies entered the home’s entryway, Halberstam allegedly drew a firearm and opened fire without warning. In seconds, the calm atmosphere of the upscale community gave way to chaos. The gunfire fatally struck 47-year-old Deputy Terri Sweeting-Mashkow, a highly respected officer with 25 years of experience. She died at the scene.
Another deputy sustained a gunshot wound to the shoulder but survived. The locksmith, critically injured during the exchange, later died from his injuries. Halberstam was shot by responding deputies and transported to a hospital, where he died shortly thereafter.
Deputy Sweeting-Mashkow’s death marked a profound loss for the sheriff’s office and the wider community. Over her decades of service, she was known not only for her skill and reliability in the field but also for her dedication to community programs, youth mentorship, and volunteer efforts. Colleagues frequently described her as compassionate, steady under pressure, and deeply committed to public safety.
In the days following the shooting, residents and officials alike tried to make sense of how a routine eviction attempt escalated so violently. While civil-process duties are often considered administrative in nature, they can carry significant risk—particularly when individuals involved have access to firearms or a history of unpredictable behavior.
Halberstam’s background included previous encounters with law enforcement, among them a narcotics charge from 2006 and a misdemeanor assault from 2015 in another state. Florida law did not restrict him from possessing a firearm based on those past offenses. Neighbors also recalled several recent disturbances at the residence, prompting multiple calls to authorities in the month leading up to the eviction.
In response to the tragedy, the community united in grief and remembrance. A candlelight vigil drew hundreds to the Merrill P. Barber Bridge, where residents shared stories of Deputy Sweeting-Mashkow’s work and influence. Many wore blue in a show of support for local law enforcement. Family members, colleagues, and friends described her as someone who consistently went beyond her official duties to help others.
A memorial service on December 2, 2025, further reflected the magnitude of the loss. Held in a large aircraft hangar to accommodate the thousands in attendance, the service drew law enforcement agencies from across the state, along with local officials and community leaders. Speakers highlighted her unwavering dedication to public service and her role as a mother, stepmother, and mentor. Her badge number and uniform have since become symbols of her enduring legacy.
The incident also revived broader discussions about officer safety during civil-process operations. Eviction procedures, though governed by established laws, often place deputies in emotionally charged environments where the unpredictability of residents’ reactions can pose significant threats. Law enforcement professionals across the country emphasized the importance of thorough risk assessments, enhanced training, and improved coordination during such calls.
Additionally, the shooting highlighted ongoing societal challenges, including firearm accessibility, gaps in crisis-intervention resources, and the complexities surrounding mental health. Officials noted that broader efforts to identify early warning signs and provide resources for individuals in crisis remain essential to preventing similar tragedies.
For Indian River County, the loss of Deputy Sweeting-Mashkow has left a lasting impact. Her decades of service and the circumstances of her death have reshaped conversations about officer safety, community responsibility, and the hidden risks embedded in everyday law-enforcement duties.
The events that unfolded on Governors Way serve as a stark reminder that no call, no matter how routine, is without potential danger. Deputy Sweeting-Mashkow’s life and service now stand as a testament to the courage and sacrifice displayed by officers who protect their communities each day.
Her memory endures through her family, colleagues, and the community she served—an enduring legacy of professionalism, dedication, and civic duty.