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Pinellas Park officer, canine partner injured in crash

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By ROSCOE GLISSON

News Channel 8

Published: June 19, 2009

A Pinellas Park police officer and his canine partner suffered minor injuries in a crash with another driver late Thursday night.

According to Lt. Paul J. Andrews of the Pinellas Park Police Department, Officer Dave Janovich and his canine partner, Bronson, were stopped on southbound 49th Street North with other traffic for a red light at Lake Boulevard at 10:55 p.m.

A 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis driven by Michael Holtzman, 48, of Pinellas Park, also southbound, drove into the rear of Janovich's cruiser, police said.

The cruiser, a 2004 Ford Crown Victoria, was knocked forward approximately 70 feet.

Janovich, 37, was able to radio in to police dispatchers and check on his dog and Holtzman, who was not injured, police said.

He was taken to a local hospital for possible back and neck injuries. The officer was subsequently treated and released.

The dog was transported to a local emergency veterinarian clinic for treatment and was released after x-rays showed no broken bones.

Witnesses at the scene told investigators that Holtzman appeared to be driving at a high rate of speed and did not appear to slow down prior to impact.

Holtzman was charged with driving under the influence-crash with personal injury. He was taken to Pinellas County Jail and bail was set at $500.

The estimated damage to both cars is $11,000.

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