Undocumented immigrant arrested after attacking woman repossessing his car: Officials
Arrested in his boxers, man accused of violently attacking couple
A man was arrested in his boxers by the Lake County Sheriff's Department. He is accused of violently attacking a couple who both work as tow truck drivers. FOX 35's Marie Edinger has the latest in Clermont.
TAVARES, Fla. - A man living in the U.S. illegally has been arrested and placed on an ICE detainer following what authorities describe as a violent attack on a couple attempting to repossess his vehicle, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
Man on ICE hold has history of arrests
What we know:
A couple said they were repossessing a man’s car when he attacked them.
According to Enio Corgozinho’s arrest report, he hit a woman in the chest, abdomen, and left arm, and removed her from the vehicle. She later stopped breathing. Her husband told FOX 35 News she’s since had a stroke and stopped breathing several other times in the hospital, resulting in her brain being without oxygen for eight full minutes following the attack.
Corgozinho is also accused of pushing the husband, who was driving the tow truck while his wife was inside the repossessed car.
What we don't know:
Corgozinho has a history of prior arrests, including one about 18 months ago for driving with a suspended license and for using an out-of-state license while his Florida license was suspended. It remains unclear why Corgozinho, who also has an ID card from Massachusetts, was not deported following those previous offenses.
What they're saying:
The 911 audio of the incident recorded the husband shouting at who law enforcement says was Corgozinho.
"Please! He's attacking my wife!" he tells the 911 operator, shouting, "Back away!" at Corgozinho.
Body camera video of Corgozinho’s arrest shows deputies shouting at Corgozinho repeatedly, "Get on your knees! Turn around, get on your knees!"
His arrest report says initially he was not compliant, but he did eventually follow those orders.
What's next:
Corgozinho remains in custody and is currently under an Immigration and Customs Enforcement hold pending further legal proceedings.
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The Source: FOX35's Marie Edinger reviewed arrest reports, criminal records across Central Florida and in Massachusetts (where Corgozinho had an ID card), and jail records. She talked with two officials from the Lake County Sheriff's Office. She also talked with one of the alleged victims on the phone.