The death of King County Metro driver Shawn Yim has prompted a review of safety protocols and calls for increased protections for drivers, according to a statement from King County Metro and the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 587.
Surveillance video, released by authorities, shows the events leading up to the fatal incident, which began after Yim asked a passenger, identified as Robert Sitzlack, to exit the bus following an argument.
The video shows Sitzlack spraying Yim with mace and then fleeing the bus. Yim followed, and after tripping, he was kicked by the suspect while on the ground.
According to authorities, Sitzlack then fatally stabbed Yim in a nearby alley.
The incident has spurred calls for improved safety measures for Metro drivers, with the president of ATU Local 587 brought to tears by the footage.
King County Metro released a statement to KIRO 7 saying, “Safety has always been Metro’s first priority but the loss of Shawn Yim made clear much more needs to be done.”
In response, Metro said they are hiring more Metro Transit Police and Transit Security officers and plan to strengthen the operator’s compartment by making the partition larger and stronger.
The union president said the changes must be visible so that drivers feel safe.
ATU Local 587 is working with the county to create a regional task force that would focus on better-protecting drivers and passengers.
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