King Co. Metro bus driver accused of dealing drugs

By DEAN STALEY / KING 5 New

SEATTLE – Police today arrested a 54-year-old King County Metro bus driver who is accused of dealing rock cocaine while on duty.

The suspect, a Seattle man, was taken into custody just before noon while driving Route 42, according to the King County Sheriff's Department. Deputies say the arrest was the result of an investigation that spanned several weeks.

During their investigation, police say they bought cocaine from the suspect along his route. They also bought drugs from him at his south Seattle home. But police say he did not sell to his bus passengers.

"It's not like 'would you like a transfer and some cocaine;' it's nothing like that," Sgt. John Urquhart said. "My understanding is he was meeting his customers while on his route."

The suspect, a 10-year veteran of Metro, was taken into custody near South Leo Street and Beacon Ave. South, and he was expected to be booked into the King County Jail.

Metro has about 2,200 drivers in their system, and they believe this is an isolated incident. Police say they were tipped off by another Metro employee.

In 2002, the suspect was charged in Oregon with pot possession, for which he paid a fine.