Our tight-knit community here in Vero Beach and across Indian River County is grappling with immense sorrow following a tragic shooting incident last week that claimed the lives of three individuals, including one of our dedicated deputies and a local locksmith. The heartbreaking event unfolded during what should have been a routine eviction proceeding, casting a somber shadow over our usually serene coastal haven.
The incident occurred on Friday, November 21st, in the tranquil Bermuda Club, a gated community nestled along Vero Beach’s scenic A1A. Deputies from the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office’s Legal Process Civil Unit were there to serve an eviction notice to Michael Halberstam. As deputies, a sergeant, and a locksmith entered the home’s entryway, Halberstam reportedly produced a firearm and began shooting indiscriminately.
The devastating outcome left three families shattered:
- Deputy Terri Sweeting-Mashkow: A beloved 37-year-old deputy with 25 years of service to the Sheriff’s Office, tragically died at the scene. Described by Sheriff Eric Flowers as an “amazing deputy” with a “beautiful heart,” her loss is deeply felt. She was posthumously promoted to sergeant, marking only the second line-of-duty death in the Sheriff’s Office’s century-long history. Beyond her uniform, Deputy Sweeting-Mashkow was a devoted mother and wife, actively involved in the K9 1 Training & Consulting and H.A.L.O. No-Kill Rescue families. Her unwavering compassion for animals mirrored her dedication to public service.
- David Long: The 76-year-old locksmith assisting with the eviction, succumbed to his injuries on Sunday after being transported to the hospital in critical condition. Sheriff Flowers released a heartfelt statement, saying,
“Our hearts are broken once again by this tragic news. David Long was a resident of our community, a dedicated professional who was simply doing his job when he was caught in an unthinkable act of violence. His loss, following Sergeant Mashkow’s, is a reminder of the sacrifices made, not just by our sworn deputies, but by the everyday heroes who assist us.”
Mr. Long was a valued member of our community, and his untimely passing leaves another void.
- Michael Halberstam: The 37-year-old suspect also died the day after the shooting, on Saturday, November 22nd, after being hospitalized with critical injuries. Authorities revealed that Halberstam had a history of previous charges in Virginia, including a 2006 narcotics charge and a 2015 misdemeanor assault charge. He had also reportedly been terminated from his job at UPS, and investigators discovered “strange posts” and “negative items” about his former employer and the Sheriff’s Office on his social media pages, indicating a troubling state of mind.
Amidst the sorrow, there is also a story of resilience. Deputy Tino Arizpe, who was shot in the shoulder during the incident, has been released from the hospital and is now recovering at home. We wish him a swift and complete recovery. Sergeant Gary Farless, who was also present and discharged his weapon at the suspect, was fortunately unharmed. Halberstam’s mother, who had reportedly made several calls for service this month regarding her son, was outside the home at the time of the shooting and was not injured, adhering to standard eviction protocol.
The community has rallied together in support of those affected. In a touching display of solidarity, H.A.L.O. No-Kill Rescue and K9 1 Training & Consulting hosted a joint fundraiser to support Deputy Sweeting-Mashkow’s grieving family, underscoring the deep impact she had on both her human and animal communities. This tragedy serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by our law enforcement officers and those who assist them in their duties, and the profound ripple effects such events have on Vero Beach’s local families and the broader Indian River County area. Our thoughts remain with the families of Deputy Mashkow and David Long, and we stand together as a community during this difficult time.
