Pinellas Park Police Department

Press Release

Report Number: 2009-8565

March 24, 2009

Fatal Crash: Motorcycle versus Vehicle Crash Closes US 19 At 72 Avenue.

At 6:58 AM, Pinellas Park Police Officers and Firefighters responded to a serious crash at the intersection of US 19 and 72th Avenue North.

The preliminary crash investigation has determined that a 2003 Harley Davidson Motorcycle was northbound on US 19 and lost control at 72 Avenue, striking the cement median located at this intersection. The driver of the motorcycle was ejected as the motorcycle continued. The motorcycle then struck a 2007 Nissan Titan, which was southbound on US 19, in the left turn lane at the intersection. The driver of the motorcycle came to a rest just west of the truck. A piece of debris from the motorcycle struck another vehicle southbound on US 19, a 1996 Nissan Maxima.

Portions of the intersection were closed and re-opened at 9:30 AM. The driver of the motorcycle was pronounced deceased on scene. Next of Kin has been notified.

The following persons were involved:

2003 Harley Davidson Motorcycle
Driver: John Dorowski, St. Petersburg FL, Age 53, Deceased.

2007 Nissan Titan Pick Up Truck
Driver: James Houlihan, Trinity FL, Age 40. No Injuries.

1994 Nissan Maxima 4 Door
Driver: Marjeta Manco, Largo FL, Age 45. No Injuries

The driver of the motorcycle was not wearing a Safety Helmet or other Safety Equipment. No further information is available at this time and the investigation is ongoing.

Traffic Homicide Investigator M. Piacenza 405