Deputy killed, 2 others injured in shooting while serving eviction in Vero Beach

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, Fla. — Two sheriff’s deputies have been shot, and one killed while serving an eviction notice Friday in Vero Beach.

The Indian River County Sheriff’s Office said that during the eviction, a suspect pulled out a gun and started firing as deputies entered the home.

Officials identified the deputy that was killed as Terri Sweeting Mashkow. She was honored in the office’s quarterly report in 2023 for helping a local family during the Christmas holiday. 

“She is dedicated to serving her community and exemplifies what the role of a Peace Officer should be,” the report said.

One other deputy and a locksmith were injured. The suspect is in custody and is in critical condition.

This marks the second death in the line of duty for the department since its creation 100 years ago, according to a spokesperson with the sheriff’s office.

The Melbourne Police Department reacted to the news in a statement. 

“Our hearts are with the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office and the entire community this morning. We are deeply saddened by the tragic shooting that took the life of one deputy and injured several others. Our prayers are with their families, their fellow deputies, and everyone impacted by this loss.”

The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office also reacted in the following statement. 

“Sending condolences and prayers to Indian River County, where one deputy was fatally shot and two others were wounded while serving an eviction notice this morning. Praying that the family members and loved ones facing the worst news today can find the strength they will need to carry through another senseless tragedy.”

Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey also responded. 

“Please keep the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office and their entire community in your thoughts and prayers as their agency is dealing with a critical incident involving a Deputy Sheriff, who was shot and killed earlier this morning and a second Deputy that was shot and is in stable condition!!

In response to the incident, our agency has sent various resources including Deputy Sheriffs and Supervisors to assist with responding to calls for service from the community, as their agency is focused on the critical incident!!

Our law enforcement officers put their lives on the line each and every day, as they work to protect their communities and our hearts go out to Sheriff Flowers, his entire agency, and their entire community!!”