Bail set at $50,000 for Metro driver accused of selling cocaine

Bail was set at $50,000 today for a King County Metro Transit driver who was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of selling crack cocaine from his bus and from his home, according to court documents filed today.

Transit police made six undercover buys from Rickie Beavers, 54, according to a probable-cause statement presented in court. Beavers made two sales while operating a bus and the others were made at his house in Seattle.

Beavers was arrested at about noon while working Route 42 near Leo Street and Beacon Avenue South. Police had been investigating him for weeks after a tip came from another Metro employee.

Though it is clear the man dealt crack while on his route, "We have no indication that he was selling to passengers at all," said sheriff's spokesman Sgt. John Urquhart said. Rather, customers who knew the man would meet him along his route and make their purchases.

On Wednesday afternoon, following his arrest, investigators searched Beavers' Seattle home.

Dan Donohoe, spokesman for the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, said charges are expected to be filed against Beavers on Friday.

Sharon Pian Chan: 206-464-2958 or schan@seattletimes.com