WHITEFIELD — A driver distracted by a cellphone is to blame in Tuesday’s near head-on crash involving a police cruiser on Townhouse Road that left two people injured, including a sheriff deputy, according to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.

Lincoln County Sheriff Deputy Chad Gilbert, 41, and Gabriela Soohey, 42, of Searsmont, who was driving the second car, each suffered non life-threatening injuries, according to a sheriff’s department press release.

The crash occurred around 3:40 p.m. Tuesday as Gilbert drove his cruiser, a 2011 Crown Victoria, north on Townhouse Road. Soohey was driving south in a 2002 Chevrolet Prism sedan.

The release said that as Soohey “approached a right curve she became distracted by her cellular telephone.” Her car went into the northbound lane and into the path of Gilbert’s cruiser, the release said.

Gilbert steered to the right and slammed on his brakes in attempt to avoid Soohey’s car. Soohey, too, hit her brakes before the cars hit nearly head on, officials said.

Soohey had to be extricated from her car. She was taken to the hospital with what were believed to be non life-threatening injuries.

A nearby resident helped Gilbert from his cruiser. He was later treated for minor abrasions to his arms.

Both drivers were wearing seat belts. Airbags deployed in both cars.

The cruiser and the Prism appear to be totaled, officials said.

There was no indication of charges connected to the crash.

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