Subject of Frantic Police Manhunt Released on $25,000 Bail

Valon Shoshi, who was arrested Friday following a frantic police manhunt after he allegedly fired a shotgun in his family's house in Springs then fled in a car, was released on $25,000 bail after an appearance in East Hampton Town Justice Court on Saturday. Justice Lisa R. Rana also ordered him to undergo immediate psychological treatment.

Mr. Shoshi was charged with felony reckless endangerment and three misdemeanors: assault, illegal discharge of a weapon, and possession of a loaded gun in a motor vehicle.

Mr. Shoshi, 28, allegedly fired a shotgun three times on Friday morning in his bedroom at 85 Gardiner Avenue, Springs, slightly injuring his mother, before fleeing in a Cadillac sedan that he had purchased in Florida just a few days before, according to his Facebook page.

Atifet Shoshi, Mr. Shoshi's mother, was apparently hit with material dislodged by the shotgun blasts, which were directed at a television and a bedroom wall. She was taken in an ambulance to Southampton hospital, where she was treated and released.

On Saturday morning, Mr. Shoshi's mother along with other family members and many friends and supporters filled about half of the seats in the town courtroom.

During Friday's search police initially surrounded a house off Georgica Road in East Hampton Village shortly before noon, believing Mr. Shoshi might have barricaded himself inside. When two police teams entered the house, Mr. Shoshi was not there. Police from several departments who had joined in the manhunt were alerted to be on the lookout for Mr. Shoshi's black Cadillac.

Shortly after that, a police officer spotted the car headed north on Abraham's Path in East Hampton. A brief pursuit ended in front of One Stop Market on Springs-Fireplace Road, where armed officers surrounded the car.

On Saturday, Mr. Shoshi pleaded not guilty to the four charges through his lawyer, Edward Burke Jr.

During the arraignment, Mr. Burke told Justice Rana about Mr. Shoshi’s contributions to the community. “He was assistant chief of the East Hampton Village Ambulance Association. He has six years in the Springs Fire Department,” he said.

“This is not him,” Mr. Burke told Justice Rana. “I know the court has concerns with his family situation. He was married in 2012. His wife resides in Kosovo,” he said. According to his Facebook page, Mr. Shoshi recently returned from a brief trip to there. While living in Kosovo last fall, he had been shot and seriously injured. 

Mr. Shoshi and his family moved to East Hampton in 1999 to escape the war in Kosovo. He and his brothers are accomplished athletes. Mr. Shoshi was a boxer who fought and won at least one round of the Golden Gloves tournament. His nickname in the ring was Eagle Boy. 

In court on Saturday morning, Mr. Shoshi wore a black t-shirt from the 2008 Golden Gloves boxing tournament that said "Golden Gloves Eagle Boy."  His family sat in silence as Justice Rana began to speak. She said that the district attorney’s office had asked bail to be set at $100,000.

“I have a lot of concerns,” she said, talking directly to Mr. Shoshi. “Your attorney says you would never hurt somebody, but you did. I don’t know what’s going on. You were very engaged in the community. You have been a real asset to the community. You have a squeaky-clean history. But it only takes one set of circumstances to turn someone’s life in the wrong direction.” As she spoke, several of those seated in the courtroom began to cry.

“If you are released, where are you emotionally? No matter what is going on in your life, there is a green pasture on the other side. My courtroom is filled with people who care about you. It can’t be so bad.”

She paused. “Turn around. I want you to look at them. They are all there for you.” Mr. Shoshi looked at his family. “The next time you go down that rat hole, you may not come out,” Justice Rana said. While setting bail at $25,000, Justice Rana made a condition that he must immediately seek psychological treatment, ordering that Mr. Burke would have to provide proof to the court by Thursday or bail could be increased.

Justice Rana also issued an order of protection, which allows Mr. Shoshi to see to his family, but requires him not to do anything that would harm them in any way. She also ordered him to turn in to police all guns and any other weapons he may own.