DELAWARE FF MICHELLE SMITH LODD UPDATE: More Bizarre/Horrific Circumstances

In what continues to unfold as an absolutely incredible story related to the horrific Line of Duty Death of Delaware City (DE) Firefighter Michelle Smith… the criminal circumstances only gets worse.

As you already know, the motorcycle crash occurred on Route 13 southbound on Saturday evening. The operator of the bike, Edward Reiss, was injured in the incident and was lying in the roadway. A Delaware City Fire Company ambulance (standing by to cover that area for the Wilmington manor Fire Company) arrived on the scene within minutes and DCFC FF Michelle Smith got out of the ambulance, ran over to Mr. Reiss and began to administer care. A New Castle County Police Officer then arrived on the scene and activates him emergency equipment.

Moments later, the 2004 BMW 760 traveling southbound on Route 13 entered the crash scene and sideswiped the county police car causing significant damage. The Police officer leaped back into his car just prior to the impact and avoids injury. The BMW, operated by veteran criminal Joseph Taye, 28, of Bear, loses control and strikes Smith and Reiss. The BMW comes to a stop on the right shoulder south of the crash scene.

At that point, a light colored Honda, possibly an Accord, pulls up to the crash scene. The operator of the Honda, an unidentified black male, ACTUALLY HELPS TAYE into the Honda (Taye is unable to walk himself) and the Honda subsequently flees the scene. Witnesses describe the fleeing Honda and also advised that the operator of the BMW was a black male…with an obvious physical impairment/disability.

Officers, Troopers and New Castle County Police officers, respond to the BMW registered owners address….the car was apparently not Tayes. Through outstanding police investigative practices, the name of Joseph Taye comes up. It is learned that Taye was a black male with a physical impairment. Back at the crash scene, evidence technicians process the BMW and locate a finger print which ultimately proves to be a positive match for Taye.

Tragically, yesterday, Monday, December 22nd, Ms. Smith succumbs to her injuries and is pronounced dead at Christiana Hospital. Her death is Line of Duty.

During the evening hours of December 22nd, detectives complete arrest warrants for Taye. Troopers respond to Tayes home in Bear and take him into custody without incident. Taye is arraigned on the following offenses: Manslaughter, Assault 2nd, Driving while Revoked, Leaving the Scene of a Crash and Failure to Report a Crash. Bail is set at $30,000.00 only (yeah-we know) and Mr. Taye is committed to the Howard Young Correctional Institute.

As you know, this case is still very much active. Investigators are seeking to identify the operator of the Honda that fled the scene of the crash with Taye in the car. We have no doubt that they will get Tayes "partners in crime"…

FF Michelle L. Smith has served the Delaware City Fire Company http://www.dcfc15.com/ and theDelaware City Ladies Auxiliary for over 5 years, holding the Secretary position with the Ladies Auxiliary. She also serves with the Volunteer Hose Company of Middletown, DE: http://www.vhc27.com/ . Michelle is survived by her 12 year old daughter. Again, our condolences to all affected, the members of the Delaware City, Wilmington Manor Fire Companies and VHC of Middletown but especially her family, her daughter and her friends.

Kudos to the Delaware State and the New Castle County Police involved in this bizarre case for the outstanding police work done so far as they continue to hunt for Tayes accomplices.

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