School bus thefts reported in 3 states
Investigations are underway and an arrest was made in unrelated school bus thefts in Oklahoma, Michigan and Louisiana in recent weeks. In at least two of the incidents, the keys were reportedly in the ignition when the buses were stolen.
Investigations are underway and an arrest was made in unrelated school bus thefts in several states in recent weeks.
In Stonewall, Okla., Decoteau Imotichey was arrested and charged with larceny of an automobile after police say he admitted to stealing a Stonewall school bus. News 12 reports that Imotichey said he stole the bus early last Tuesday morning because it was cold outside. He told the police that the keys were in the bus’ ignition, so he turned on the heater and drove off.
Meanwhile, early last Wednesday morning, a bus was nabbed from the parking lot of a school bus company in Detroit after the driver started the bus for it to warm up and then went into the company’s office.
According to WXYZ, surveillance footage from cameras on the bus shows the suspect driving away. Police say he went to the Ambassador Bridge and tried to cross the border, but he didn't have the fare. The bus company was eventually able to remotely shut off the bus’ engine and track its location due to its GPS.
And in Singer, La., authorities are working to identify the suspect or suspects who stole a school bus and returned it with more than $9,000 in damage, KPLC reports.
Beauregard Parish Sheriff's Office spokesman Joe Toler told the news outlet that the bus was taken from a high school sometime between Jan. 15 and 21. Beauregard Parish Crime Stoppers is offering a $1,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest.
More Safety

School Bus Stop-Arm Violations Decline 53% Across Verra Mobility Programs
Verra Mobility shares how school bus stop-arm cameras and school zone safety programs are changing driver behavior, reducing violations, and protecting students.
Read More →
Most Bus Crashes Aren’t Your Fault. Here’s How to Prove It.
A guide for what to do in between a school bus crash and a claim: what to preserve, who to notify, and how to keep the facts available when they matter.
Read More →
National School Bus Safety Week 2026: Tips, Toolkits & Resources to Keep Students Safe
School bus safety takes more than awareness. Explore expert tips, enforcement strategies, and free resources to help protect students on every ride.
Read More →
2 Killed, Dozens Injured in Florida School Bus Crash
A multi-vehicle collision caused a Polk County school bus carrying 37 students to overturn on its way to Winter Haven High School.
Read More →
Illegal School Bus Passing Drops 24% in New York Districts
With fewer than 5% of citations involving repeat offenders, Westchester County officials said enforcement, education, and community partnerships are helping change driver behavior.
Read More →
School's Back. Here's What Happened to Traffic, Speeding & Distraction
What happens to traffic when school resumes? New data analysis examines changes in distracted driving, congestion, and speeding around schools.
Read More →
Geotab Expands Fleet Safety Tools With Video Coaching, Risk Insights
New safety and video capabilities aim to help fleet managers assess risk, support drivers, and take targeted action through video coaching, red-light violation detection, and more.
Read More →
How to Build a Better School Bus Driver Training Program
Is it time to strengthen your driver training? Here’s how to pick the right talent and improve recruitment, retention, and safety. This video is brought to you by IC Bus.
Read More →
Recent School Bus Accidents Leave 2 Dead, 2 Injured
Four school bus crashes in Florida, Illinois, and Georgia highlight risks in transportation lots, at bus stops, and during student loading and unloading.
Read More →
When Every Second Matters, Clarity Keeps Routes Moving
From routine delays to urgent incidents, strong communication practices help drivers, dispatchers, schools, and families respond with confidence.
Read More →
