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INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, Fla – A tragic turn of events unfolded as the suspect involved in the fatal shooting of an Indian River County Sheriff’s deputy succumbed to his injuries on Saturday. The incident, which claimed the life of Deputy Terri Sweeting-Mashkow, occurred in the Bermuda Club area along State Road A1A, north of Vero Beach, in close proximity to Wabasso Beach Park.
According to Indian River County Sheriff Eric Flowers, the deputies were dispatched to the residence to carry out an eviction of Michael Halberstam from his mother’s home, as per her request. Upon their arrival, Halberstam opened fire without warning, leading to a devastating confrontation.
The heartbreaking loss of Deputy Sweeting-Mashkow, aged 47, has sent ripples of grief throughout the community. In response to the gunfire, deputies returned fire, critically injuring Halberstam. Despite the immediate medical attention, he later died from his injuries.
In recognition of her service and sacrifice, the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office has posthumously promoted Deputy Sweeting-Mashkow to the rank of sergeant. In their statement on Saturday, they affirmed that she will be honored as Sgt. Sweeting-Mashkow in remembrance of her bravery and dedication.
Deputies returned fire and shot Halberstam, who was initially reported to be in critical condition, but later died from his injuries.
On Saturday, Indian River County Sheriff’s Office announced that Sweeting-Mashkow has been posthumously promoted to sergeant “and will be addressed as Sgt. Sweeting-Mashkow henceforth.” the sheriff’s office announced.
Mashkow had served with the sheriff’s office for 25 years, starting as a 9-1-1 dispatcher.
Funeral service information will be released at a later date.
[WATCH: Indian River County sheriff holds news conference after deputy shot, killed]
The sheriff’s office said deputies had been called to the home seven times this month. Detectives say Halberstam had recently been fired and had made “terrible comments” on social media about his former workplace, and also made negative posts about the Indian River Sheriff’s Office.
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