Bus driver charged after heating bus to 100 degrees, threatening children, police say

A 75-year-old school bus driver in Sugarcreek, Pa., Harvey Sliker, was charged after authorities say he blasted the bus heater to about 100 degrees and threatened to "cook" the children on board, according to police. The incident occurred as students were being transported home, and the Valley Grove School District said the matter was handled promptly after complaints were filed.

Police said several complaints were filed after students ages 5 to 12 got off the bus Wednesday, crying and extremely sweaty, police said. Sliker forced the windows closed and set the heater on high to punish the children for their behavior, raising temperatures on the bus to between 95 and 100 degrees, police said.

The driver allegedly told the children, "I am going to cook you all," and also threatened to bring a paddle the following day, police said. The Valley Grove School District confirmed to KDKA-TV that the driver cranked the heat as a disciplinary action. District officials said the bus contractor immediately replaced Sliker, and a new driver began Thursday morning, to ensure student safety.

Sliker is charged with simple assault and recklessly endangering another person, both misdemeanors. He is also barred from school property as the investigation continues and court proceedings approach. The district emphasized that it takes the safety of its students seriously and that it acted quickly to remove the individual from service and secure a replacement driver. The contractor has said they will cooperate with investigators and pursue additional steps to prevent a recurrence.

Officials noted that Sugarcreek and the Valley Grove School District have protocols aimed at ensuring safe transportation, and this incident is being reviewed as part of ongoing safety and compliance measures. The district, which serves several communities in the region, said it would provide updates to parents and the community as more information becomes available.