Pinellas Park Officer Dave Janovich and his K-9 dog, Bronson, escaped serious injury on June 18 when an alleged drunk driver slammed into their cruiser while it was stopped for a red light.
PINELLAS PARK – A Pinellas Park man was arrested on June 18 after he slammed into the back of a marked cruiser that was stopped for a red light.
Officer Dave Janovich, 37, suffered back and neck injuries. His K-9 partner, Bronson, escaped injury, but was examined by a local veterinarian.
Michael Holtzman, 48, was charged with DUI. He was released from the Pinellas County Jail after posting $500 bail.
Police said Janovich was stopped at a red light at about 10:55 p.m. on 49th Street and Lake Boulevard. Officers said Holtzman, driving a 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis, slammed into the rear of the cruiser at a high rate of speed. The patrol car was knocked forward about 70 feet from the impact of the crash.
Police said Janovich was able to radio police dispatchers for assistance. Holtzman, who was not injured, was arrested after it was determined that his blood alcohol was .243 and .246.
Man charged after traffic stop PINELLAS PARK – A St. Petersburg man was arrested on June 9 after a traffic stop. David G. Morgan, 34, was charged with three counts of possessing a controlled substance and possession of marijuana. He was released from the Pinellas County Jail after posting $12,250 bail. Police said Officer Michael Piacenza was stopped behind Morgan’s 2002 Mitsubishi at about 2 p.m. when a license plate check revealed that Morgan’s Georgia tag was invalid. A further check of the vehicle resulted in the drug-related charges.
Local man faces battery charges PINELLAS PARK – A Pinellas Park man was arrested on June 12 after he allegedly punched a cyclist in the mouth. Douglas A. Thistle, 46, was charged with battery. He was released from the Pinellas County Jail after posting $5,000 bail. Police said Thistle and his unidentified victim got into an argument when the latter passed him on a sidewalk while riding his bicycle. An argument ensued and the battery took place, police said.
Woman nabbed for retail theft PINELLAS PARK – A St. Petersburg woman was arrested on June 12 after she allegedly attempted to leave a store without paying for items. Molly M. Martin, 22, was charged with retail theft, resisting a merchant, possession of drug paraphernalia and two counts of possession of a controlled substance. She remains in the Pinellas County Jail in lieu of $2,750 bail. Police said Martin was at the Wal-Mart Super Store, 8001 U.S. 19, at about 4 p.m. when security officers saw her conceal clothing and then try to leave the store without paying for the items. She was stopped by security officers after a brief struggle. Police said drugs and paraphernalia were discovered during a search of her purse.
![[Image]](/content_images/062509_par-03.jpg)
