West Minnesota sheriff charged with lack of right-of-way in squad car that led to clash in May – Twin Cities

Swift County Sheriff John Holtz has been charged with misdemeanor violations in a crash in western Minnesota that injured him and two others in May.

Holtz, 54, from Appleton, was in a squad car when the accident happened east of Appleton.

Court records show a single charge of failing to obey a give way sign. The subpoena was filed August 31 in Swift County District Court.

As of Tuesday afternoon, no court date was listed in the case. The indictment only states that an appearance by September 30 is required.

A letter from Holtz filed Tuesday asked that he accept it as his plea of ​​not guilty. It also states that he requests that the indictment be waived, that he waives the time limit requirements and that he requests that a preliminary hearing be held.

Holtz did not respond to a West Central Tribune message Tuesday asking for comment.

According to an initial crash report from the Minnesota State Patrol, Holtz was driving a Swift County squad car northbound on 200th Avenue Southwest while a Subaru Impreza was traveling westbound on 90th Street when the two vehicles collided.

Mary Jo Martha Voorhees, 37, of Appleton, was the driver of the Impreza. She and her 5-year-old male passenger suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to Appleton Hospital for treatment.

Holtz was also taken to Appleton Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

Road conditions were dry at the time of the accident, reports reported around 8 a.m. on May 24 in Appleton Township. According to the State Patrol, it was not alcohol.

Swift County Attorney Danielle Olson filed a notice Sept. 5 appointing a special Swift County Assistant Attorney to prosecute Holtz. She appointed Pope District Attorney Neil Nelson and/or Pope Assistant District Attorney Troy Nelson.

Judge David Mennis, who serves Swift County, has withdrawn from the case.

Holtz has served as Swift County Sheriff since May 2010. He was serving as chief deputy when appointed to fill the unexpired term of an outgoing sheriff. He then won election to office in November and has been in office ever since.