Traffic backed up on State Route 89A for about 45 minutes Tuesday, June 29, while Cottonwood Police Department cleaned up an accident involving one of its own officers, Public Information Officer Sgt. Gareth Braxton-Johnson reported.

The  two-vehicle injury accident was reported shortly after 2 p.m. near the highway's intersection with Candy Lane

An investigation at the scene determined a white 2004 Cadillac and a Cottonwood police patrol vehicle collided when the Cadillac, driven by an 83-year-old man, made a left turn in front officer, who was traveling westbound on State Route 89A.

The officer attempted to avoid the collision by swerving out of his lane, according to Braxton-Johnson. However, he was unable to avoid the collision and struck the rear passenger side of the Cadillac

The officer was transported by ambulance to the Verde Valley Medical Center for minor hand and wrist injuries suffered from the airbag deployment. He is expected to recover.

The driver of the Cadillac did not report any injuries. Traffic on State Route 89A was diverted for approximately 45 minutes for the completion of the accident investigation.