Rear-ended driver helps cops nab crash-happy suspect

A hit-and-run accident victim helped officers apprehend an alleged speeding, intoxicated motorist yesterday during rush hour in Chester County, police said.

West Whiteland Township officers responded at 6:24 p.m. to the Route 30 Bypass, west of Route 100, for a report of a hit-and-run crash. A driver who had been rear-ended while traveling east on the bypass at about 60 m.p.h., also reported following the striking vehicle, a red Honda Pilot, West Whiteland Police Sgt. Martin J. Malloy said today.

The caller said the fleeing driver had exited the bypass at Pottstown Pike, turned left to go north, struck a concrete median, and knocked over a street sign before returning to the bypass, this time traveling west, Malloy said.

The driver of the Honda Pilot then stopped in the westbound lanes of the Exton Bypass, put the vehicle in reverse and backed up, forcing westbound drivers to make evasive maneuvers, Malloy said.

When officers arrived, they determined that the driver, William Borrell, 40, of Coatesville, was intoxicated and placed him under arrest, Malloy said.

Borrell was also charged with reckless driving and operating a vehicle without a valid license, Malloy said.