OXFORD – An Oxford police cruiser was badly damaged in an April 6 accident on the Rabbit Valley Road, but the town’s insurance is covering repairs.

Town Manager Michael Huston said the 2000 Ford Crown Victoria sustained around $4,500 damage to the hood, body panel and radiator.

Police Sgt. Theron Bickford was driving alone in the cruiser about 8:50 p.m., headed toward Route 26 at a corner in the road. He said Thursday that he became temporarily distracted while reaching up to grab something from the sun visor.

“I drifted from the shoulder into the ditch. It was just one of those things,” Bickford said. After hitting the ditch, Bickford said he hit a culvert and several mailboxes and swung into the ditch again. The cruiser did not roll over and was still drivable, although it was towed to Lakeview Auto Body in Oxford because of the seriousness of the damage, Bickford said.

Driver distraction was determined to be the cause in an independent investigation conducted by the Mechanic Falls Police Department. Speed was ruled out as a factor.

“I informed selectmen” after the accident occurred, Huston said. Huston said he planned to inform selectmen at Thursday’s meeting that the town’s insurance has agreed to cover the cost of repairs, minus the $250 deductible.

Bickford said he’s very glad the cruiser, with 104,000 in miles, will be back in action soon.

“I’ve kept that car immaculate,” he said.