I normally don't post things direct from the secret list, but I thought this was important.
Troopers from the Collision Reconstruction Unit at Troop 2 formally charged Joseph
Taye, 28, of Bear approximately one hour ago with Murder in the first degree. This
charge was upgraded from Manslaughter due to Michelle Smith of the Delaware City
(DE) Fire Company losing her life while performing her duties. Edward Reiss' injuries
(the motorcyclist she was treating) charge of Assault 2nd was changed to Assault
1st due to the severity of Mr. Reiss' injuries. The charges of Driving while Revoked,
Leaving the Scene of a Crash and Failure to Report a Crash remained the same.
Mr. Taye was committed to Howard Young Correctional Institute without bail.
This case is still very much active. Investigators are seeking to identify the operator
of the Honda as well as locating that particular vehicle that fled the scene of
the crash with Taye in the car.
At the time of this release, Mr.Reiss is still in Christiana Hospital in stable
but serious condition.