VERO BEACH, Fla. (RTW News) — Tragedy struck near Vero Beach, Florida, as a gunman who shot two deputies and a locksmith during an eviction notice attempt succumbed to his injuries over the weekend.
Michael Halberstam, 37, confronted Indian River County deputies, leading to deadly violence right outside his mother’s home, where she was attempting to evict him. The confrontation left one deputy, Terri Sweeting-Mashkow, dead, while another deputy is recovering from a shoulder injury and a locksmith is in critical condition after surgery.
The sheriff’s office had received multiple calls regarding the residence in the month leading up to the incident, primarily from Halberstam's mother expressing concerns about her son. Despite this history, Sheriff Eric Flowers stated that deputies did not expect trouble during the eviction attempt, calling it a standard procedure.
“This was a standard call for service,” Sheriff Flowers emphasized, noting that Halberstam's record did not indicate any issues that would have prevented him from owning a weapon.
Sweeting-Mashkow, a dedicated member of the sheriff’s office for 25 years, was posthumously promoted to sergeant following her death. “I can tell you that our team will feel this forever,” Sheriff Flowers remarked emotionally as he praised her courageous service.
Michael Halberstam, 37, confronted Indian River County deputies, leading to deadly violence right outside his mother’s home, where she was attempting to evict him. The confrontation left one deputy, Terri Sweeting-Mashkow, dead, while another deputy is recovering from a shoulder injury and a locksmith is in critical condition after surgery.
The sheriff’s office had received multiple calls regarding the residence in the month leading up to the incident, primarily from Halberstam's mother expressing concerns about her son. Despite this history, Sheriff Eric Flowers stated that deputies did not expect trouble during the eviction attempt, calling it a standard procedure.
“This was a standard call for service,” Sheriff Flowers emphasized, noting that Halberstam's record did not indicate any issues that would have prevented him from owning a weapon.
Sweeting-Mashkow, a dedicated member of the sheriff’s office for 25 years, was posthumously promoted to sergeant following her death. “I can tell you that our team will feel this forever,” Sheriff Flowers remarked emotionally as he praised her courageous service.
