Suspect Arrested in EMS Hit and Run

Police believe man slammed BMW into accident scene, then fled in second car

A Delaware man was arrested in connection with the hit and run death of an EMS worker, according to Delaware State Police Monday night.

28-year-old Joseph Taye was taken into custody by authorities at his home in Bear, DE around 9:30 p.m. Monday.

State Police believe he is the man who slammed a BMW into a motorcyclist, police cruiser and an EMS worker following an accident Saturday night along Route 13 in Delaware City.

Taye allegedly fled the scene after the crash, which left 30-year-old EMS worker Michelle Smith in critical condition. She died early Monday morning at Christiana Hospital.

Smith's EMS unit was returning from another call when they responded to a report of a motorcycle crash on nearby Route 13. She and a police officer were assisting the victim of the motorcycle crash when a BMW slammed into them, authorities said.

The New Castle Police officer was able to narrowly dodge the car by jumping into his cruiser, but Smith and the motorcyclist were not able to move out of the way in time.

The man in the BMW then jumped into Honda, which had pulled up to the scene, and fled, according to authorities.

The suspect was charged overnight Tuesday with manslaughter, 2nd degree assault, driving with a revoked license, leaving the scene of a crash and failure to report a crash. Bail was set at $30,000.

Police are searching for the driver of the Honda which assisted in Taye's escape from the crash scene. They are asking anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers at 800.TIP.3333.

Smith leaves behind a 12-year-old daughter.

Contact Us