Driver, passenger in fatal Chesco car crash flee the scene

A Glen Mills man was killed early yesterday when the car he was driving in West Bradford Township crossed into oncoming traffic and was struck by a vehicle whose driver and passenger then fled, state police said.

Eric Paynter, 27, died in front of 623 Embreeville Rd. around 4 a.m.; his passenger, Anthony Billela, 26, of West Chester, suffered moderate injuries, state police from the Embreeville barracks said.

The identities and whereabouts of the driver and passenger who fled were not known, state police said.

"It is unusual for two persons who were traveling in the car . . . to flee the scene," Trooper Matt Boyer said. "We are continuing to investigate all aspects of the crash."

State police said they did not know whether the car of the people who fled was stolen.

According to a state police report, Paynter was driving south on Embreeville Road when his car crossed into the northbound lane, where it was hit broadside.

Residents near the crash site said they saw the driver and passenger of the northbound car get out and run off, the report said.

It was not known whether the two were injured.

Anyone with information about the crash or knowledge of the people involved is asked to call state police at the Embreeville barracks at 484-340-3241.