Deputies: Neighbor tries to stab 82-year-old woman over liquor run

CLEARWATER — Martha Gold had no transportation, but she wanted a drink. She offered to pay her 82-year-old neighbor for a lift to a nearby store.

Wednesday, on three different occasions, Genevieve Zebrowski declined. Pinellas County sheriff's deputies, relatives and neighbors say that refusal almost cost Zebrowski her life.

Just before 11:30 p.m. Wednesday, Gold stabbed Zebrowski in the left hand and left calf with an 8-inch steel knife.

"I heard somebody screaming for help," said Jim Cormier, who rushed from his condo at the Top of the World retirement community and pinned Gold down until authorities arrived.

Gold, 55, was arrested at 2260 Costa Rican Drive, accused of attempted murder in the first degree, deputies said.

Zebrowski was taken to Bayfront Medical Center for treatment of injuries that were not life-threatening. She was expected to undergo surgery sometime Thursday, said her niece, Theresa Evanosky.

Evanosky and her mother arrived at the condo just after noon. Blood covered the tile floor of Zebrowski's unit as crews collected evidence and cleaned the scene.

"That's what scared me," said Sophie Evanosky, 87. "The blood was gushing out of her so bad."