Stolen school buses find their way home

HAWTHORNE – One of two school buses stolen from Alachua County Public Schools bus compound has made its way home, and the other one will soon join it.

Two school buses were stolen from a compound in Hawthorne in early September. One bus remains in custody of law enforcement in Flagler County, while the other is safe and sound at the school, according to reports.

Earlier this month a Flagler County Sheriff arrested a man that was connected to a theft ring that targeted school buses. The thefts have taken place in several districts throughout Florida and Georgia.

“We’re so grateful for the work of law enforcement agencies throughout Florida and Georgia, including the local agencies that worked together to solve this case,” said Alachua County Public Schools Interim Superintendent Hershel Lyons.

The city had been given an insurance check for the buses, but hadn’t cashed it because of reports that other buses had been recovered in other counties.

The stolen buses were leased out to a company called 95 Tours and Transportation. They were then used to shuttle people to and from the Florida-Georgia football game and to transport students of private schools. The owner of 95 Tours and Transportation was arrested.

The buses were found in Gainesville two weeks ago and were still in good shape, with the exception of the VIN numbers being altered and the district name being removed from the side of the buses.

To add to security, Alachua County public schools have installed cameras in all five of the bus compounds in the county.

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