Shootouts happen all the time in movies. But a real-life gun fight in Florida turned deadly. One cop was killed and three others, including the suspect, were wounded in the violent altercation. Keep reading for more details on the shocking incident that rocked a community in the Sunshine State.
Florida Cop Killed While Serving Eviction Notice
Florida deputies had a simple job to do this week: deliver an eviction notice. The easy task turned deadly when the resident’s son opened fire, turning the Bermuda Club neighborhood near Vero Beach, Florida, into a war zone.
The resident at 1137 Governor’s Way had called the police 7 times in the last month to evict her son from the residence. When the deputies arrived, the resident’s son opened fire on the police without warning, according to the local news.
One of the deputies who had been with the department for 25 years was shot and killed by the gunfire. Indian River County Sheriff Eric Flowers described slain officer Terri Mashkow as an “amazing deputy,” noting that they’d worked together for over two decades.
3 Others Wounded In Deadly Shootout
Another deputy and a locksmith who worked with the police department were also injured during the shooting spree. The locksmith was reportedly in critical condition and needed surgery. The other deputy is recovering after getting shot in the shoulder.
The suspect, identified as Michael Halberstam, was shot multiple times by the police after allegedly opening fire on them. CNN reported that the suspect was recently fired from his job at UPS and had previous charges of misdemeanor assault and a narcotics charge. However, neither of those prevented him from owning a weapon.
Community Mourns Fallen Deputy
The police are still looking into the suspect’s background and piecing together the shocking incident. In the meantime, the tight-knit community mourned the fallen deputy.
People inside and outside of the community took to social media to share their condolences on the loss and prayers for the injured.
- “That’s crazy. I’m not a cop but I would think eviction would be one of the most dangerous things to do. RIP”
- “My prayers for them to heal quickly and families recoveries.”
- “My deepest sympathy to the family of the officer shot and killed. So very sad.”
- “Terri you will be very missed in our community. We love you. RIP”
- “What a devastating day for our community. I’m praying for her family both blood and blue”
- “Praying for the families involved.”
- “My heart and especially my prayers are with the slain deputy’s family, the other injured officers, & the locksmith. May God be with them, their loved ones & everyone involved in this very sad situation.”
- “These Brave men and women put their lives on the line every day, just doing their job. My thoughts and prayers go out to all officers and their families who lost their lives and were injured. Soo sad”
Deputy Mashkow is survived by her husband, daughter, step-son, and mother. Our condolences to the slain officer’s family…