Richard Sitzlack, 53, has been arrested as the prime suspect in the death of Shawn Yim, a 59-year-old bus driver stabbed while on shift near the University of Washington in Seattle last Wednesday.

The three-day manhunt came to an end after fellow driver Timmothy Nelson recognized a sleeping passenger wearing clothes that matched the suspect’s description, KIRO7 reported. Seattle Police had also given a photo of Sitzlack to the city’s Metro Bus Drivers.

Police arrested Sitzlack and took him to Seattle Headquarters for an interview.

Sitzlack pepper sprayed and punched Yim, according to documents. Yim then dialed 911 while chasing Sitzlack.

Yim was heard on the phone asking for help and that he was going to die. The call also picked up sounds of struggling between two voices.

Police arrived at the scene where Yim was deceased with the suspect nowhere to be found.

“We are scared – it could have been any one of us,” said Stevon Williams, according to KOMO News. “He’s doing a public service. He didn’t sign up for a war zone. He’s driving a bus.”

The Amalgamated Transit Union 587 has asked for increased security to prevent passengers from attacking transit employees, along with a task force to address safety concerns on buses and trains.

Before his death, Yim had voiced the same concerns to union leader Ken Price, per FOX13.

Just last week a bus stop in the Little Saigon neighborhood was discontinued after a series of stabbings.

A vigil for Yim was held in the University District this past weekend. About 200 people were in attendance to honor the bus operator.

AsAmNews is published by the non-profit, Asian American Media Inc.

We are supported through donations and such charitable organizations as the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. This holiday season, please make a donation to Asian American Media Inc and AsAmNews and double your impact. Thanks to additional benefactors, all donations are now being matched up to a total of $17,000.

Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube and X.

Related