WASHINGTON – A former Metro Bus operator is facing one year in prison for negligent homicide in an accident that killed a California man four years ago.
Ronald W. Taylor, 41, of Laurel, Md., pleaded guilty in March 2012 in D.C.’s Superior Court.
Taylor admitted he was driving an empty bus towards 19th Street NW from Constitution Avenue when he ran a red light. He slammed into a taxi carrying the Tabor family, visiting the District from California.
The impact killed 55-year-old Bartlett Tabor. The driver, Tabor’s wife and their two children were injured, but survived the crash.
State prosecutors say the light was red for 17 seconds before Taylor drove his bus into the intersection.
After the crash, court documents say Taylor lost control of the bus, crossed into the opposite lanes of traffic, went off the road and over a granite retaining wall in front of the Federal Reserve Building.
Analysis of the Metro bus’ black box, called an Electronic Control Module, determined Taylor was going 41.5 miles per hour in a 25 mile per hour zone when he hit the taxi.
Taylor was on parole in Maryland for two prior drug felonies when the accident happened on Sept. 26, 2008, according to court documents.
He faces at least 18 more months in prison for violating his parole.
WTOP’s Megan Cloherty contributed to this report.
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(Copyright 2012 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)
