SEATTLE, Wash. — Two King County Metro bus drivers helped lead to the arrest of the man accused of murdering their coworker last week.
On December 18, 59-year-old Shawn Yim was attacked while driving in the University District.
Seattle police say 53-year-old Richard Sitzlack stabbed him multiple times in the chest, before running away.
Three days later, while driving a northbound RapidRide E Line bus on the morning of December 21, King County Metro says its bus operator Anthony “A.J.” Ross spotted a passenger that looked similar to the photos of Sitzlack that police released to the public.
After his shift, King County Metro says Ross saw the same rider change into shoes matching the police description, and he called the King County Sheriff’s Office right away.
Metro says the man then boarded another bus headed southbound. However, Ross was able to provide an updated description and help police narrow down which bus he was on.
A short time later, Southbound RapidRide E Line bus operator Timmothy Nelson says he received a call from the Transit Control Center asking him whether a passenger meeting the description was on board.
Metro says Nelson was able to confirm that the passenger was, indeed, on board, and flagged down police.
Officers boarded Nelson’s bus at Third Avenue and Main Street in downtown Seattle and arrested Sitzlack.
“King County Metro extends its profound appreciation to Anthony “A.J.” Ross, Timmothy Nelson, and all of our employees – as well as to Metro Transit Police, the Seattle Police Department, and our Transit Security Officers,” Metro wrote in a news release. “The family of Shawn Yim similarly shares their thanks for the arrest of the suspect.”
Sitzlack remains in the King County Jail.
He faced a judge for the first time early Monday afternoon and was charged with first-degree murder, second-degree assault for the pepper spray used against Mr. Yim before the stabbing, and third-degree assault for the kick to Mr. Yim before the stabbing. His bail was set at $5 million.
“Transit drivers are dedicated public servants who provide a critical service to the people of King County, and this kind of violence is unacceptable,” King County Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion said. “Shawn Yim’s death is heartbreaking, and he will not be forgotten. We want clear accountability at each step of the court process.”
Seattle police released body-worn video of the arrest. You can watch it here: