LEICESTER –– Two men are facing charges following a two-vehicle crash that resulted in serious injuries and a hit-and-run.
According to police, the incident occurred on April 20 at approximately 2:13 a.m. on Swinington Hill Road in the town of Leicester.
Initial reports suggested that the crash involved a single vehicle, but further investigation revealed that two vehicles were involved, one of which fled the scene.
The operator of the first vehicle, identified as 25-year-old Travis Hornbeck of Shoreham, was extracted from the vehicle and transported to UVM Medical Center with suspected head injuries.
The second vehicle, driven by 35-year-old Scott Lanpher of Leicester, left the scene of the crash before police arrived.
An investigation revealed that the two operators had met before the incident, with Hornbeck accusing Lanpher of owing him money.
Hornbeck then followed Lanpher in an attempt to confront him.
Both vehicles were traveling south on Swinington Hill Road when Lanpher’s vehicle crossed into the southbound lane, causing Hornbeck’s vehicle to enter the northbound lane in an attempt to avoid a collision.
Lanpher’s vehicle then sideswiped Hornbeck’s, causing it to leave the roadway and strike a tree.
Lanpher’s vehicle fled the scene.
Hornbeck has been charged with grossly negligent operation, while Lanpher faces charges for leaving the scene of an accident with injury resulting and failing to report the incident.
Both men have been cited to appear in Addison County Superior Court, Criminal Division at a later date.
Troopers were assisted on scene by members of the Middlebury Police Department, Brandon Area Rescue Squad, and Salisbury Fire Department. Police are asking anyone with information related to the crash to contact the New Haven Barracks.
