Shawn Yim: Metro bus driver murdered in Seattle

Police ID Seattle Metro bus stabbing suspect

Seattle Police are hunting for 53-year-old Richard Sitzlack for killing bus driver Shawn Yim.

SEATTLE - Police on Thursday identified the suspect who murdered Shawn Yim, the Seattle Metro bus driver who was stabbed to death near the University of Washington campus on Wednesday.

Around 3 a.m. on Dec. 18, officers responded to a stabbing just a block west of Parrington Lawn at UW. They found 59-year-old Yim suffering from stab wounds to the chest. First responders provided medical aid, but he died at the scene.

WANTED for MURDER: Richard Sitzlack
53-year-old white male with brown eyes, brown hair, 6’5

Police identify 53-year-old Richard Sitzlack in deadly Seattle bus driver stabbing. (Seattle Police Department)

Hours later, the transit union held a press conference honoring Yim, who had been driving for the company since 2015. The transit union offered a $10,000 reward for anyone who could help find the suspect and called for city and regional leaders to take action to make buses safer for drivers and passengers.

Now, the public wants to know more about Shawn Yim who was taken away in a senseless act of violence for reasons still under investigation.

Police are investigating after a bus driver was stabbed to death in Seattle’s University District Wednesday morning. According to the Seattle Police Department (SPD), just before 3:00 a.m., officers responded to reports of a stabbing near the intersection of Northeast 41st Street and 15th Avenue Northeast. This area is just a block west of the University of Washington’s Parrington lawn. When officers arrived, they found a 59-year-old man, A King County Metro Coach driver, suffering from stab wounds to the chest. Police and other first responders provided medical aid, but the victim died at the scene. The SPD has determined that an adult male passenger got into a physical altercation with the driver at the intersection. After being stabbed, the victim walked a short distance from the bus before collapsing from his injuries. The SPD and King County Sheriff’s deputies searched for the suspect using K9’s, but they were unsuccessful. The SPD’s Homicide and Crime Scene Investigation Unit are processing the scene. Anyone with information is asked to call 911 or the SPD’s Violent Crime Tip Line at 206-233-5000. This is a developing story. Check back for updates. photo of metro bus where bus driver was stabbed

Who was Shawn Yim?

Shawn Yim was a Seattle Metro bus driver who was stabbed to death while on the job in Seattle's University District on Dec. 18.

Family members say Shawn was a caring, kind person who loved and protected his family.

The Yim family says they are shocked by his death and will hold a remembrance fundraiser for him at a later date.

Reaction from the Seattle community

King County Councilmember Dave Upthegrove issued a statement hours after learning about the murder.

"I am sending my deepest sympathies to the family, friends, and coworkers of Shawn Yim," Upthegrove. "Our bus operators are the best in the nation and deserve better. We cannot and will not rest until the perpetrator is caught and brought to justice."

Seattle police identify suspect in Metro bus attack

Seattle police homicide detectives are seeking the public’s assistance in locating Richard Sitzlack, who is believed to have stabbed a Metro Coach driver in the University District Wednesday morning.

Anyone with any information about the suspect's whereabouts is asked to call the Seattle Police Department's Violent Crimes Tip Line at 206-233-5000.

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