Deputy Killed, Two Others Wounded During Eviction in Indian River County; Suspect in Custody

Deputies were serving an eviction notice when the suspect suddenly pulled a gun

Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey deployed deputies and supervisors to assist Indian River County with routine calls as they focus on the critical incident.

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA — A routine eviction turned tragic Friday morning when gunfire erupted inside a Vero Beach home, leaving one sheriff’s deputy dead and two others wounded, according to the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies were serving an eviction notice when the suspect suddenly pulled a gun and opened fire as they entered the residence. The exchange left Deputy Terri Sweeting Mashkow fatally wounded.

Mashkow, recognized in 2023 for her compassion and service after helping a local family during the holidays, was remembered by the sheriff’s office as a dedicated public servant who embodied the highest ideals of law enforcement.

“She is dedicated to serving her community and exemplifies what the role of a Peace Officer should be,” the office wrote in its report last year.

Two additional deputies and a locksmith who was assisting at the scene were also injured. The suspect was taken into custody and is reported to be in critical condition.

A sheriff’s office spokesperson said this marks only the second line-of-duty death in the agency’s 100-year history, underscoring the rarity and severity of the incident.

Law enforcement agencies across Central Florida shared messages of support as news of the shooting spread.

The Melbourne Police Department expressed condolences in a statement Friday:

“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 released a message of sympathy, saying it was “sending condolences and prayers” and urging strength for the families affected by “another senseless tragedy.”

Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey said his agency has deployed deputies and supervisors to assist Indian River County with routine calls as they focus on the critical incident.

“Please keep the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office and their entire community in your thoughts and prayers,” Ivey said. “Our law enforcement officers put their lives on the line each and every day… our hearts go out to Sheriff Flowers, his entire agency, and their entire community.”

As the investigation continues, the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office is asking the community to keep the fallen deputy, the wounded, and their families in their thoughts during what officials are calling one of the darkest days in the agency’s history.

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