Seattle man accused of causing fatal bus crash had 50 more than arrest warrants

A Seattle man accused of causing a fatal crash that sent a bus hurling towards a woman has had more than 50 warrants out for his arrest, according to court documents.

Adam Abelson, 31, was arrested on Nov. 4 after his red sedan collided with another vehicle on Fifth Avenue at high speeds, causing his car to slam into a metro bus that was knocked off the road and sent careening into a vacant building.

As it crashed into the building, the bus also hit Amanda Schneider, 28, who died from multiple blunt force injuries as a result, KomoNews reports.

It has since been revealed that Abelson has a lengthy rap sheet, which includes convictions for a hit-and-run, vehicle prowling, making false statements to public servants, at least 10 cases of thefts and more.

“Over the years, the defendant has had over 50 warrants issued for his arrest,” prosecutors said.

Prior to the fatal crash, Abelson was pending on an “attempting to elude” case in July where he allegedly sped away from an officer “through a red light in downtown Seattle,” according to court documents.

During the time of that incident, he had multiple warrants calling for his arrest over for a DUI, receiving stolen property and escaping community custody.

Despite his criminal career, the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office said that the July incident was never sent to prosecutors for a felony charging decision, adding that prosecutors cannot file a felony case with just the first appearance document.

It meant that Abelson was able to walk free despite having an active warrant for his arrest, with the additional warrant for attempting to elude police put out in August.

Seattle-based attorney Chris Davis, who is representing two of the 14 people who were on the bus when it crashed, said his clients were demanding answers from the county as to why Abelson was able to be out and about.

“Did the government fail in its responsibility to monitor this criminal,” he told the local outlet.

He added that his clients were injured in the crash after they were” thrown all about in the bus like rag dolls” during the impact.

Schneider’s father told King 5 that his family was heartbroken over the 28-year-old’s death, saying, “I will never recover from this loss. She was my only child. I will miss her immensely.” 

Abelson was charged with vehicular homicide, reckless driving and operating a vehicle without a valid driver’s license. He was also accused of having drug paraphernalia on the front seat of his car at the time of the crash.

Police are currently waiting on a state toxicology report to determine if Abelson was under the influence during the incident.

Abelson was booked at the King County Jail, with his bail set at $550,000.