Chief Deputy David Anderson said Monday he was responsible for the error that caused last week’s parking of six Crown Victorias recently ordered by the Covington County Sheriff’s Office.

Anderson said he “mistakenly requested” the six patrol cars from a local dealership that did not have the state bid for Crown Victorias.

“It’s my fault; I take full responsibility,” Anderson said. “It was of no fault of the county commission or the county administrator. I apologize for the confusion.”

Last fall, the commission authorized the sheriff’s office to lease/purchase six vehicles from the state bid list. However, when the county administrator’s office began the title and insurance process two weeks ago, county employees determined that the vehicles had been ordered from Andalusia Ford, which does not have the state bid for Crown Victorias.

All six cars – two of which had been put into service – were then returned to the dealership.

Monday, commissioners agreed to solicit new bids for the patrol cars since the county cannot legally purchase vehicles without going through a bid process – unless the vehicles are purchased from a vendor who has the state bid.

Commissioners are expected to award the bid for the cars at its April 27 meeting.