Orange County battalion chief arrested on domestic violence charge

David Hollenbach relieved of duty

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – An Orange County Fire Rescue battalion chief has been relieved of duty after he was arrested on a domestic violence charge, according to the department.

David Hollenbach was off duty when he was arrested by Seminole County deputies Wednesday, officials said.

Authorities said a woman found love letters from another woman to Hollenbach and confronted him.

She told authorities that she attempted to leave and walk out the front door, but Hollenbach closed the door and stood in her way, saying "you don't need to leave."

The Seminole County Sheriff's Office said the woman attempted to open the door multiple times, but Hollenbach continued to close the door.

The woman was able to squeeze by Hollenbach and walk out to her car. As she unlocked the door, Hollenbach tried to open the passenger side door -- but it was locked.

The woman told deputies Hollenbach began pulling on the door handle harder, then stood in front of the car.

The woman left the home and drove to a nearby Winn-Dixie, where she called her parents and made plans to stay with them.

She returned to the home to gather clothes while Hollenbach was away. While she packed, Hollenbach returned home and demanded to know where she was going, deputies said.

When she refused to say, Hollenbach grabbed her cellphone. When she tried to get it back, he pushed her away, according to the affidavit.

She told deputies that Hollenbach raised his hand with the phone and told her, "You're (expletive) nothing and worthless."

While outside, Hollenbach shoved the woman when she tried to get a garage door remote from him, deputies said.

The woman pushed him back but was then headbutted in the forehead by Hollenbach, according to deputies.

The woman told deputies she went into the bathroom, locked the door and began calling the police. While she was inside, Hollenbach attempted to open the locked door. 

Hollenbach asked the woman not to call the police, then left once he knew authorities were on their way, deputies said.

Hollenbach was arrested on a domestic violence battery charge.

An administrative hearing will be scheduled to review the circumstances of the arrest and determine Hollenbach's employment status. He will remain relieved of his duties until then.


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