Man Accused of Stealing 33 School Bus Batteries
The Rhode Island man faces felony charges of larceny over $1,500 and conspiracy in connection with the alleged theft of the batteries.
EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. — A man here was arrested on Thursday in connection with the theft of more than 30 school bus batteries on Wednesday, police said.
Edmund Pittsley is facing felony charges of larceny over $1,500 and conspiracy, Providence Journal reports.
School bus drivers for East Providence School District arrived at the bus lot at about 5 a.m. Wednesday and were unable to start their buses, according to WLNE. School officials pushed the start of school back by two hours to put together a backup plan, and each bus was checked to make sure no other parts were missing. Police told the news source that the batteries can cost up to $170 each, and that they suspect the theft was drug related. School officials told WLNE they will implement new security features at the bus yard.
East Providence Ocean State Transit, the school bus company that owns the buses that serve East Providence School District, posted a message about the missing batteries on its Facebook page on Wednesday morning. The post noted that despite the rain, all the drivers stayed and asked what they could do to help. The company thanked the drivers “for making every day easier, every emergency smoother, and for always stepping up to lend a hand.”
Thirty-three batteries were recovered from a recycling facility after someone saw the media coverage and recognized them, police told WLNE.
Police told Providence Journal that Pittsley turned himself in on Thursday morning after he was contacted by authorities. Police added that detectives have gathered information that has led to the identification of at least one other suspect.
Below is a tweet from ABC6 reporter Alana Cerrone about police on the scene investigating the theft.
Police still on scene at bus yard off Commercial Way @ABC6pic.twitter.com/zTb84fUnXQ
— Alana Cerrone ABC6 (@Alana_Cerrone) October 25, 2017
More Management

Samsara Launches Free Driver Rewards Program
The new Driver Perks program gives eligible professional drivers access to discounts and offers without adding a cost for participating fleets.
Read More →
How Tax-Exempt Municipal Leases Can Help Finance School Buses
Let’s explore school bus financing options, including municipal leases, vendor payable accounts, and balloon payments, and how they can help stretch fleet budgets.
Read More →
Nominate Rising School Transportation Pros Under 40!
We’re searching for the next generation of leaders making an impact across the K-12 student transportation industry to recognize as SBF’s 2027 Trailblazers. Nominations are open now!
Read More →
Changing Lanes: BusWhere, EverDriven, InterMotive, Summit School Services, Switzer-Carty & Thomas Built Buses
Check out who's been hired, promoted, and appointed to leadership positions at various school transportation suppliers, contractors, and manufacturers.
Read More →
The Most Expensive Thing You Do Before Selling a School Bus: Wait
When should you sell an aging school bus? Learn how maintenance, mileage, corrosion, specifications, and timing can affect resale value long before the auction.
Read More →
American Student Transportation Partners Acquires AJ Myers and Sons
A new deal brings a 75-year Pennsylvania student transportation provider into one of the nation’s largest private school bus contracting groups.
Read More →
What I Brought Home From SBFX: Relationships, Leadership, and Preparing What's Next
Who could lead your transportation operation tomorrow if you couldn't? Bernando Brown explores succession planning, mentorship, and preparing emerging leaders to step up.
Read More →
Inside School Bus Fleet ConneX 2026: Industry Leaders Connect in Scottsdale [Photos]
See highlights from SBFX 2026 in Arizona, where school bus operators and suppliers gathered for meetings, education, networking, awards, and more.
Read More →
School Transportation’s Biggest Pressures and Opportunities: SBFX Attendees Weigh In
School bus operators point to rising costs, staffing, and vehicle prices as immediate pressures while identifying technology, training, and routing as opportunities for growth.
Read More →
STA Acquires Sunrise Transportation
Student Transportation of America expands in Illinois and Connecticut through Sunrise's fleet of nearly 1,000 vehicles.
Read More →

