Florida sheriff's deputy killed, another injured in shooting while serving eviction notice: Officials
A sheriff's deputy has died and another was injured on Friday after a suspect opened fire when officials were attempting to serve an eviction notice in Indian River County, Florida, according to the local sheriff.
"What an awful day, six days before Thanksgiving," Indian River County Sheriff Eric Flowers said during a press conference on Friday.
The two deputies, as well as a locksmith, were shot while serving an eviction notice to Michael Halberstam at a home in Vero Beach at the request of his mother, the owner of the house, Flowers said.
"This was a standard call for service. This is the everyday call, the eviction. Regular duties that our deputies bravely do," Flowers said.
While the deputies were in the entryway of the home, Halberstam retrieved a weapon and began "indiscriminately firing." Deputies then fired at the suspect, striking him multiple times, officials said.
Halberstam, who has previous narcotics and misdemeanor assault charges, remains in critical condition in the hospital, officials said.
Officials said they have also discovered "strange posts" on the suspect's social media, including "negative items" about the sheriff's office. It remains unclear why Halberstam's mother decided to evict him, Flowers said.
Deputy Terri Mashkow, 47, was killed in the shooting, officials confirmed, saying she "gave her life to this community."
"She had a beautiful heart, she will be missed," Flowers said, while holding back tears.
The second deputy was shot in the shoulder and is recovering, said Flowers, who spoke to him at the hospital.
Officials will remain at the scene of the shooting for "quite some time," Flowers said.
Florida Gov. DeSantis also confirmed the shooting earlier on Friday.
"There is a lot going on. Just know Florida Department of Law Enforcement is engaged, working with the sheriff and the local community. We will hope for the best results of that," DeSantis said during an unrelated press conference on Friday.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier also confirmed the shooting during an unrelated press conference on Friday. Uthmeier did not provide any further details on the incident, but held a moment of silence.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
