Seattle Police Search for Suspect in Fatal Stabbing of Bus Driver
Authorities have identified the suspect as a 53-year-old homeless man with a history of violent offenses and are urging the public to report sightings immediately.
- King County Metro bus driver Shawn Yim, 59, was fatally stabbed early Wednesday during a physical altercation with a passenger in Seattle's University District.
- The suspect, Richard Sitzlack, 53, is described as armed and dangerous and is known to frequent the University District and downtown Seattle.
- Sitzlack has a criminal history, including prior arrests for violent crimes, and was previously released from custody in a 2023 homicide case due to insufficient evidence for charges.
- This marks the first killing of a Metro bus driver in 26 years, prompting calls from transit workers' unions for increased safety measures and dedicated transit police.
- Seattle police are actively searching for Sitzlack, urging the public to contact 911 with any information, and a $10,000 reward has been offered for tips leading to his arrest.