Woman, 75, Attacked, Choked While Walking Dog

PALM HARBOR, FL — A 75-year-old Palm Harbor woman was hospitalized with serious injuries Thursday after Pinellas County Sheriff’s deputies say a man attacked her while she was walking her dog.

According to the sheriff’s office, deputies were called to a home in the 700 block of 1st Court around 3:30 p.m. April 13. The caller said there was an assault and battery in progress, according to a Friday email from the agency.

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When deputies arrived, they heard screaming and soon discovered the woman was still under attack. Emmanuel Qosaj, 20, “was positioned on top of the 75-year-old female victim, battering, and choking her with a metal dog leash,” the agency wrote.

Witnesses tried to help the woman, but were pushed away by Emanuel, the email said. Deputies used a Taser to get Emanuel off the woman and bring him into custody.

The incident, however, wasn’t over yet, the sheriff’s office said.

Deputies say Emanuel’s brothers, Alfred Koke Qosaj, 41, and Genc Kole Qosaj, 36, both got in the way of the investigation. Genc is accused of struggling with Cpl. Peter Eigo, resulting in an injury to the deputy’s hand. He was ultimatedly charged with battery on a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest with violence. Alfred was charged with resisting an officer without violence.

Paramedics took the woman to a local hospital with serious, but not life-threatening injuries, the sheriff’s office said. Emanuel was also taken to a local hospital for medical clearance before being booked into the Pinellas County Jail. On the way, authorities say he spat on emergency personnel.

Emanuel now faces attempted felony murder, simple battery and two counts of battery on an emergency medical care provider charges.

Deputies have not identified the victim in the case.

Just what sparked the confrontation is not known. Deputies say both Emanuel and the woman were walking their dogs when the attack occurred.

No further information is available at this time.

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Booking photos of Emanuel, Alfred and Genc Qosaj courtesy of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office