The man accused of causing a fatal crash in Seattle that resulted in a metro bus colliding with a building and killing a woman on the sidewalk has a lengthy criminal history, according to recent reports. Adam Abelson, the suspect in the November 4 crash, is now facing charges including vehicular homicide.
Prosecutors have revealed that Abelson has been issued approximately 50 warrants for his arrest in the local area and has been accused of multiple crimes. Charging documents state that he not only caused the crash with the bus but was also found with drug paraphernalia on the front seat of his car at the time.
The charging documents further state that Abelson was driving at high speeds, exceeding the 25mph speed limit, and failed to slow down or stop for a red light. The collision occurred when Abelson collided with the front bumper of a Prius before striking the bus near its front left tire.
Investigators have determined that the impact redirected the bus towards the southeast corner, where Amanda Schneider, a pedestrian, was standing. Despite attempting to run, Schneider was struck and killed. The incident is considered rare given the number of bus routes and rides that occur daily, but it does not diminish the value of Schneider’s life or the seriousness of the case, according to Casey McNerthney from the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
At the time of the crash, there were 14 passengers on the bus, and 11 of them were transported to the hospital. Inside Abelson’s car, officers discovered drug paraphernalia, suggesting that drugs may have been a contributing factor in the incident.
Abelson is currently facing charges of vehicular homicide, reckless driving, and driving without a valid operator’s license. Prosecutors have revealed his extensive record, which includes offenses such as hit-and-run, vehicle prowling, making false statements to a public servant, theft, and organized retail theft.
Although only a few of these previous offenses have been brought to the attention of the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, McNerthney stated that they would act with urgency if they receive additional information from the Seattle Police investigators.
Prosecutors argued for a bail amount of at least $500,000, stating that it was necessary to ensure that the court was aware of Abelson’s history. Court documents reveal that the state toxicology lab is currently analyzing the results to determine if Abelson was under the influence of any substances during the crash.
