Pennsylvania Bus Driver Accused of Endangering Children With Extreme Heat
A Pennsylvania bus driver is facing criminal charges after police say he intentionally blasted the heater inside a school bus as a form of punishment, frightening young children and leaving them overheated.
Students Say Driver Threatened to “Cook” Them
The Sugarcreek Borough Police Department reported that on September 17, 2025, several parents complained after their children came home crying and drenched in sweat. The students, ranging in age from 5 to 12, said their bus driver, 75-year-old Harvey Sliker of Utica, forced them to close the windows before turning the heater on full blast.
Police Say Bus Reached Dangerous Temperatures
According to investigators, Sliker told the children, “I am going to cook you all,” after ordering them to shut the windows. With the outside temperature at 74 degrees and the heater running on high, authorities determined the cabin could have reached between 95 and 100 degrees.
Officers also reported that Sliker threatened to bring a paddle onto the bus the following day, further alarming the children. Police said these actions placed the students in fear of serious injury.
Charges Filed Against Driver
Following the investigation, Sugarcreek Borough Police filed charges of simple assault and reckless endangerment against Sliker. He was also issued a no-trespass order preventing him from entering any school property or events.
Police noted that they worked closely with Valley Grove Elementary School during the case.
District Responds and Removes Driver
The Valley Grove School District confirmed the incident and emphasized that student safety remains their top priority. In a statement, district officials said the driver had been removed by the bus contractor and replaced with a new driver immediately after the complaints were made.
“We take the safety of our students and school community very seriously,” the district said. “The contractor has assured us that the individual will no longer be driving for them.”
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