A devastating incident unfolded Friday morning in Indian River County, Florida, where an eviction service turned deadly, leaving one sheriff’s deputy dead and two others seriously wounded. The tragedy has shaken the community and prompted a massive response from local and state authorities as investigators work to piece together what happened.
According to officials, deputies from the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office arrived at a residence to execute a court-ordered eviction when gunfire suddenly erupted. The suspect inside the home allegedly opened fire without warning, striking all three deputies. The scene quickly descended into chaos as emergency crews rushed to assist the wounded officers. All three were transported to Lawnwood Regional Medical Center in Fort Pierce for urgent medical treatment, but one of the deputies, identified as Terri Mashkow, did not survive the attack.
The gravity of the situation triggered an overwhelming law enforcement response throughout the county. Witnesses reported seeing more than a dozen marked and unmarked sheriff’s vehicles racing toward the area, accompanied by an armored tactical response vehicle. Helicopters from Martin County and St. Lucie County circled above as authorities worked to secure the scene and locate the suspect.
Vero Beach Mayor John Cotugno confirmed that the deputies had been conducting an eviction when the gunman opened fire. The incident has left residents stunned, especially given the routine nature of the assignment that turned into a fatal ambush. Officials have not yet released details about the suspect or any motive behind the shooting, saying the investigation remains active and far from complete.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis addressed the situation publicly, acknowledging the seriousness of the attack. “We are monitoring a situation in Indian River County. We had three officers that have been shot. The suspect is still being addressed,” he said. “There is a lot unfolding, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement is actively working with the sheriff’s office and local officials. We are hopeful for the best possible outcome.”
As investigators with the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office, aided by state and neighboring agencies, continue collecting evidence, the community mourns the loss of Deputy Mashkow. Additional updates are expected as authorities work to determine what led to the deadly confrontation and ensure justice is served.
