Tuesday turned into a full-blown transportation mess for Beech Grove City Schools after thieves stripped catalytic converters from every school bus overnight, knocking out the district's entire fleet in one hit.
With no buses available, the district announced that it would still hold in-person classes, but students who could not get a ride would receive excused absences. Superintendent Dr. Laura Hammack confirmed the thefts and said staff were moving quickly to assess the damage and figure out how to get buses back on the road.
The district posted an alert saying the theft happened overnight and that it "will have NO transportation services" for the day, according to a message on the Beech Grove City Schools website. The notice said officials are working to determine which buses can be repaired and urged families to keep an eye on official channels for rolling updates.
As reported by WISH-TV, Dr. Hammack described the transportation fleet as severely impacted and said the district is cooperating with law enforcement while the investigation continues. Officials did not immediately say whether any arrests had been made.
Other Districts Hit by Converter Thieves
Beech Grove is not the only district dealing with this kind of hit. In April, thieves stripped catalytic converters from more than 30 school buses on Chicago's West Side, sidelining routes and forcing costly repairs, CBS Chicago reported. Converter thefts have also been rising across Central Indiana this year, with dozens of incidents logged by police, according to WRTV.
What the Law Says
Indiana law treats theft of motor-vehicle parts, including catalytic converters, as a serious crime. Theft of such parts can be prosecuted as a Level 6 felony under state statute. The Indiana Code details how theft of vehicle parts is charged and penalized.
What Families Should Do
Beech Grove officials have asked families to arrange alternative transportation for students and to check the district's website and social media channels for updates. The district's main office number is listed on its site for anyone who needs assistance.
Anyone with information about the overnight theft has been urged to contact Beech Grove Police, as the investigation remains active, according to the district alert.
