A Trenton woman indicted in a crash that killed an off-duty police officer in 2020 is now charged in a crash that injured a bicyclist earlier this month.
Taquaysha Bell, 30, was arraigned last week in the June 19, 2020 crash that killed Michael Luko Sr., a 24-year police veteran who lived Mays Landing’s Laureldale section.
But a week before pleading not guilty to vehicular homicide, Bell was in another crash that left a man injured.
Bell was driving on North Olden Avenue in Trenton when she struck a bicyclist just after 1 a.m. Aug. 19, according to the report obtained by BreakingAC. She fled the scene but returned before police arrived.
She is charged with leaving the scene of an accident causing bodily injury, failure to report a motor vehicle crash and failure to exhibit documents.
It was not clear whether Bell was tested for possible intoxication.
She was under the influence in the 2020 crash, according to charges against her in that case.
Luko, 53, was heading home from work at the New Jersey Human Services Police Department. He joined the department after serving 21 years as an officer in Egg Harbor City. His left behind a wife and two children. His son recently became a father, which would have been Luko’s first grandchild.
Bell’s rear seat passenger, 28-year-old Chanelle Morgan, was taken to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center’s City Campus, where she underwent surgery, officials said at the time.
Bell was also taken to the hospital for a blood test.
She was originally issued several summonses, including driving under the influence, consumption of alcohol, court records show.
Bell was arrested this past December, and was released.
