In a shocking incident that has sparked outrage among parents and community members, a school bus driver in Sugarcreek, Pennsylvania, is facing serious legal charges after allegedly subjecting a group of children to extreme heat on a school bus. The driver, identified as 75-year-old Harvey Sliker, reportedly turned the bus heater up to a scorching 100 degrees and threatened the young passengers, asserting he would “cook” them as a form of punishment.
Authorities say they responded to multiple calls from parents on Wednesday after students, aged between 5 and 12, stepped off the bus in tears, visibly distressed and drenched in sweat. According to police reports, Sliker ordered the children to shut the bus windows and cranked the heater as an extreme disciplinary measure due to their behavior.
Aside from cranking the heat, Sliker allegedly threatened the children, stating, “I am going to cook you all,” and indicated he would bring a paddle to school the next day. The Valley Grove School District confirmed the driver’s actions were taken as a misguided attempt at discipline and expressed gratitude to parents who reported the situation.
In response to the incident, officials from the district stated that they take student safety very seriously. They promptly reassured the community that the bus contractor had relieved Sliker of his duties and that a new driver was put in place starting Thursday morning.
“We take the safety of our students and school community very seriously, and we appreciate the parents who reached out to bring this matter to our attention,” the district remarked in a statement.
As a result of his actions, Sliker has been charged with simple assault and recklessly endangering another person. Both charges are classified as misdemeanors. Additionally, he has been prohibited from entering school property.
