A 58-year-old former school bus driver from West Valley City, Utah, was charged on Friday, March 1, 2024, with arson and endangering the lives of school children.
Michael Austin Ford was charged with setting fires on school buses in two distinct incidents. Ford’s actions have prompted a mix of concern and disbelief nationwide.
Following a federal grand jury indictment on February 21, 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice announced Ford’s detention without bail. Ford faces two counts of arson of a vehicle of an organization receiving federal funds, pointing to the significant repercussions of his alleged actions on public safety and federal resources.
Investigations into the arson cases have leveraged surveillance footage and fire investigations to construct a timeline of events. The first, occurring on February 24, 2022, saw Ford purportedly igniting a fire on a bus with 42 children aboard. Surveillance video depicted him driving as smoke streamed across his face, seemingly unfazed by the smoke, according to allegations from Utah officials in the legal filing.
The document claims Ford eventually halted the bus upon observing the children coughing, shielding their faces, and voicing complaints about the smoke, as noted in the request for his detention.
Another April 7, 2023 incident mirrored the previous year’s recklessness. According to a statement from the attorney’s office, which referenced surveillance footage, Ford was operating a Granite School District bus when he was accused of starting a fire on the bus amidst traffic. The presence of students on the bus during the incident was not confirmed.
Following that incident, Ford was apprehended by the Granite School Police and later released, as noted in the statement. The specifics regarding his release or the reasons for his continued employment with the district after the 2022 event remain unclear, with the school district unavailable for comment on Tuesday.
According to court allegations, an arson investigation was initiated in October 2023 when it was reported that Ford’s home and vehicle suffered fire damage. The authorities have yet to reveal the motives behind these actions.
Court documents unveiled Ford’s admission of involvement in three prior bus fires between 2001 and 2017, adding a historical depth to his arson-related actions.
Despite the accumulation of evidence, Ford maintains his innocence, pleading not guilty to the charges.
The incidents have spurred discussions on the effectiveness of safety measures and background checks in school districts, especially concerning positions entrusted with children’s safety.
As the case progresses towards a jury trial scheduled for April 29, 2024, in Salt Lake City, federal prosecutors and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives continue their investigation. If convicted, Ford faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each count. This prospect underscores the seriousness with which the justice system views crimes against public safety and federal property.