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Release Revoked for Woman Indicted in 2021 Crash that Killed Off-Duty Police Officer

Atlantic County

According to Atlantic County officials, on Friday, Judge Dorothy Incarvito-Garrabrant revoked the release of a woman who was involved in the June 19, 2020, crash that killed off-duty New Jersey Human Services Police Officer Michael Luko Sr.

Officials said Ms. Taquaysha Bell, 30, of Trenton, has been indicted on the following charges:

• Vehicular Homicide, 2nd degree; and • Assault by Auto (related to 39:4-50 Driving While Intoxicated) 3rd degree.

According to officials, on December 21, 2021, Bell was released from jail with conditions pending trial of the above charges over the State’s objection.

On August 19, 2022, Bell was involved in another motor vehicle accident in Trenton, where she injured a bicyclist and left the scene.

As a result, Bell was charged with failing to report an accident and leaving the scene of an accident involving bodily injury.

Based on those violations, the State moved to revoke Bell’s release and requested that she remain incarcerated pending trial in the vehicular homicide case.

Judge Garrabrant granted the State’s motion stating that Bell’s conduct is dangerous to the community.

Officials said Bell’s next court date in Atlantic County for the vehicular homicide is scheduled for October 28, 2022.

Assistant Prosecutor Tiffany deGrandmaison represents the State in this matter.

Anyone with information on this matter is asked to call the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office at 609- 909-7800 or anonymously at the Prosecutor’s Office Web site at https://www.acpo.org/forms/tips- crime-reporting/.

People can also call Crime Stoppers at 609-652-1234 or 1-800-658-8477 (TIPS) or visit the Crime Stoppers Website at http://www.crimestoppersatlantic.com/.

Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards for information leading to the arrest and indictment of those who commit crimes in Atlantic County.  

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