A tragic incident unfolded in a gated community north of West Palm Beach, Florida, on Friday morning, resulting in the death of a sheriff’s deputy, the wounding of another, and a locksmith critically injured. The incident occurred while they were assisting a mother in evicting her son from her home.
Deputy Terri Sweeting-Mashkow, a seasoned officer with 25 years of service at the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office, was fatally shot inside a residence at the Bermuda Club on Orchid Island near Vero Beach. She, along with two other deputies and a locksmith, arrived at the home around 9 a.m. to enforce a court order to remove 37-year-old Michael Halberstam, the son of the homeowner.
According to investigators, the team had just entered the home when Halberstam allegedly opened fire without warning, fatally wounding Sweeting-Mashkow. Deputy Florentino “Tino” Arizpe was hit in the shoulder but managed to retreat to the garage. The locksmith, however, was critically injured.
Sgt. Gary Farless returned fire, hitting Halberstam multiple times. The alleged shooter was rushed to a Fort Pierce hospital in critical condition. Sweeting-Mashkow, 47, had served 25 years and 16 days with the sheriff’s office. Sheriff Eric Flowers mourned her loss, stating that she was killed during what was considered a routine civil-service call.
Sheriff Flowers described Sweeting-Mashkow as an “amazing deputy” with a “beautiful heart,” adding that her loss would be felt forever by the team. He revealed that deputies had been called to the home seven times in November, primarily due to concerns raised by Halberstam’s mother about his behavior.
Halberstam had a criminal history, including a 2006 narcotics charge and a 2015 misdemeanor assault case in Virginia. Investigators also found troubling posts on his Facebook page, including negative comments about the sheriff’s office.
As the investigation continued, Sweeting-Mashkow’s family grappled with their loss. Her mother-in-law, Patricia Mashkow, described her as a caring and giving person, adding that she died a hero.
A solemn procession was held around 5 p.m., with deputies escorting a fire-rescue ambulance carrying her flag-draped coffin from the scene to the medical examiner’s office in Fort Pierce. A tribute was posted by the sheriff’s office, expressing profound sadness and heavy hearts over the loss of Deputy Sweeting-Mashkow.
State leaders, including Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis, issued statements expressing their condolences and prayers for the officers and their families. Halberstam’s family also expressed their sorrow and offered their deepest condolences to all those affected.