A Florida deputy was fatally shot last week during what authorities described as a routine eviction, and the gunman responsible died Saturday from injuries sustained in the confrontation.
According to The Associated Press, Michael Halberstam, 37, opened fire on two Indian River County deputies and a locksmith Friday while they were serving an eviction notice at a home near Vero Beach, officials said.
The eviction was being carried out after Halberstam’s mother sought to remove him from the residence. Officers returned fire, striking Halberstam multiple times.
He succumbed to his injuries Saturday afternoon, according to the Indian River County Sheriff’s Department.
One deputy, Terri Sweeting-Mashkow, was killed in the incident. Another deputy sustained a shoulder injury but is recovering, authorities said.
The locksmith was critically injured and underwent surgery at HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital. The individual has not been publicly identified.
Indian River County Sheriff Eric Flowers said the eviction call appeared routine.
“This was a standard call for service,” Flowers said Friday, noting that the sheriff’s office had received seven calls from the home in the past month, nearly all from Halberstam’s mother reporting concerns about her son.
“There was nothing in Halberstam’s record that would have precluded him from having a weapon,” Flowers added.
Sweeting-Mashkow was a 25-year veteran of the sheriff’s office. Flowers grew emotional while honoring the deputy, emphasizing the profound impact of the loss on the department. “I can tell you that our team will feel this forever,” he said.
In recognition of her service, Sweeting-Mashkow was posthumously promoted to sergeant on Saturday. Her colleagues and the sheriff’s office described her as a dedicated law enforcement officer whose memory will continue to influence the department.
The confrontation underscores the dangers law enforcement officers face during what can appear to be routine duties, particularly eviction and civil service calls.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting as the community mourns the loss of a long-serving deputy.
