A Lawrence County Sheriff’s deputy had a close call whilepatrolling early Wednesday morning, said Sheriff Joel Thames.

David Sanders, 34, an eight-year veteran with the department,was patrolling along Carmel-New Hope Road when he lost control ofhis cruiser and ran head-long into a culvert at 2:11 a.m.Wednesday, Thames said.

Sanders swerved when either a deer or a dog ran out of themorning fog and crossed his path. Sanders’ evasive maneuvers landedhim off the road.

Monticello Fire Chief Robert Patterson, whose departmentresponded to the accident, said Sanders’ Crown Victoria hit theculvert head-on and flipped up onto the driver’s side. Respondershad to cut the roof off of the cruiser in order to extractSanders.

Sanders sustained only minor injuries and will be back on dutySaturday after a few days rest.

“He’s OK. He was fortunate,” Thames said. “He’s just got a gooseegg over his left eye.”