Police officer treated after accident on Rio Road

An Albemarle police officer avoided serious injuries Thursday afternoon when a car swerved into the path of his cruiser.

At about 12:25 p.m., the officer was driving his 2005 Crown Victoria on East Rio Road headed toward U.S. 29, Lt. Todd Hopwood said. A 2001 Saturn traveling in the opposite direction crossed the yellow lines near Brookway Drive and the cars collided.

A 17-year-old Charlottesville girl was driving the Saturn, Hopwood said. She was not injured.
The officer, whose name Hopwood would not release until he confirmed the family was notified, was taken to an area hospital and treated for minor injuries.
Both the officer and the girl were wearing seat belts, Hopwood said.

Albemarle Cpl. Dana Robinson is handling the investigation. No charges have been filed.
The accident caused $10,000 damage to the Saturn and $5,000 damage to the cruiser, Hopwood said.