Police Search After Passenger Kills Driver in Metro Bus Stabbing UPDATE Arrest

On December 18, 2024, a tragic incident occurred when Shawn Yim, a 59-year-old King County Metro bus driver, was fatally stabbed during an altercation with a passenger, Richard Sitzlack, near the University of Washington campus. The Seattle Police Department (SPD) swiftly initiated a search for Sitzlack, who has a history of violence, and arrested him three days later on December 21, 2024, following public appeals for information. This incident has intensified concerns about safety and crime on Seattle's public transit system, leading Metro to temporarily close bus stops in areas known for heightened crime. The stabbing underscores the urgent need for enhanced safety protocols, as it follows a series of violent events on public transit. Transit officials are now addressing the growing concerns of employees and riders regarding drug use and disorder, emphasizing the critical importance of effective law enforcement and community safety initiatives.