Shawn Yim dies in fatal Seattle stabbing
Fatal Seattle stabbing death of Shawn Yim – Obituary
Shawn Yim, 59, a King County Metro bus driver, was fatally stabbed early Wednesday morning following an altercation with a passenger in Seattle. Police have identified 53-year-old Richard Sitzlack as the suspect in the attack.
The incident occurred near the University of Washington campus around 3 a.m. Yim was reportedly maced by the passenger, dragged off the bus, and stabbed multiple times in the chest. After attempting to walk away from the scene, Yim collapsed and was pronounced dead at the location.
Authorities launched a K9 search for Sitzlack, who remains at large. He is described as 6-foot-5, weighing 195 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.
Greg Woodfill, president of the Amalgamated Transit Union, condemned the act of violence, calling for increased safety measures for transit operators and additional Metro transit police. “We need to take action now,” Woodfill said.
This tragic incident marks the first fatal attack on a King County bus driver in 26 years. King County Executive Dow Constantine also expressed outrage, calling it a “shocking act of violence against a public servant.”
The investigation into Yim’s death is ongoing as authorities continue to search for the suspect.
