Topline: Several young students came home upset and overheated after their bus driver reportedly used the heater as punishment.
Published: September 21, 2025 8:00 am ET
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SUGARCREEK BOROUGH, PA — “I am going to cook you all,” a Pennsylvania school bus driver reportedly told a group of elementary school students—before turning the heater on full blast in 74-degree weather.
On September 17, the Sugarcreek Borough Police Department received a series of complaints from concerned parents, who said their children—ranging in age from five to twelve—came home from school crying and drenched in sweat. The students had reportedly ridden a bus driven by 75-year-old Harvey Sliker of Utica, Pennsylvania.
According to the Sugarcreek Borough Police, the children told their parents that Sliker instructed them to shut all the bus windows. Once the windows were closed, he allegedly turned the heater on full blast, despite outdoor temperatures reaching 74 degrees. “I am going to cook you all,” Sliker reportedly told the students during the ride.
Investigators found that under such conditions—with the bus windows closed and the heater on full power—the cabin temperature could reach between 95 and 100 degrees. Police say the combination of heat and the threatening language created an atmosphere that left several young passengers genuinely afraid for their safety.
According to ExploreVenango, Sliker also allegedly warned the children that he would be bringing a paddle with him the following day. The police report described the behavior and comments as having caused fear of “serious bodily injury” among the students.
The Sugarcreek Borough Police Department said it worked closely with Valley Grove Elementary School during the investigation. As a result, Sliker has been charged with Simple Assault (a first-degree misdemeanor) and Recklessly Endangering Another Person (a second-degree misdemeanor).
Authorities have also issued a no trespass order barring Sliker from school property or any school-related functions.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
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Children Cried and Sweated After Bus Driver Allegedly Tried to “Cook” Them
Several young students came home upset and overheated after their bus driver reportedly used the heater as punishment.
By Jacob Charles
Published: September 21, 2025 8:00 am ET
SUGARCREEK BOROUGH, PA — “I am going to cook you all,” a Pennsylvania school bus driver reportedly told a group of elementary school students—before turning the heater on full blast in 74-degree weather.
On September 17, the Sugarcreek Borough Police Department received a series of complaints from concerned parents, who said their children—ranging in age from five to twelve—came home from school crying and drenched in sweat. The students had reportedly ridden a bus driven by 75-year-old Harvey Sliker of Utica, Pennsylvania.
According to the Sugarcreek Borough Police, the children told their parents that Sliker instructed them to shut all the bus windows. Once the windows were closed, he allegedly turned the heater on full blast, despite outdoor temperatures reaching 74 degrees. “I am going to cook you all,” Sliker reportedly told the students during the ride.
Investigators found that under such conditions—with the bus windows closed and the heater on full power—the cabin temperature could reach between 95 and 100 degrees. Police say the combination of heat and the threatening language created an atmosphere that left several young passengers genuinely afraid for their safety.
According to ExploreVenango, Sliker also allegedly warned the children that he would be bringing a paddle with him the following day. The police report described the behavior and comments as having caused fear of “serious bodily injury” among the students.
The Sugarcreek Borough Police Department said it worked closely with Valley Grove Elementary School during the investigation. As a result, Sliker has been charged with Simple Assault (a first-degree misdemeanor) and Recklessly Endangering Another Person (a second-degree misdemeanor).
Authorities have also issued a no trespass order barring Sliker from school property or any school-related functions.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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Editor Picks
Latest Articles
Children Cried and Sweated After Bus Driver Allegedly Tried to “Cook” Them
Several young students came home upset and overheated after their bus driver reportedly used the heater as punishment.
By Jacob Charles
Published: September 21, 2025 8:00 am ET
SUGARCREEK BOROUGH, PA — “I am going to cook you all,” a Pennsylvania school bus driver reportedly told a group of elementary school students—before turning the heater on full blast in 74-degree weather.
On September 17, the Sugarcreek Borough Police Department received a series of complaints from concerned parents, who said their children—ranging in age from five to twelve—came home from school crying and drenched in sweat. The students had reportedly ridden a bus driven by 75-year-old Harvey Sliker of Utica, Pennsylvania.
According to the Sugarcreek Borough Police, the children told their parents that Sliker instructed them to shut all the bus windows. Once the windows were closed, he allegedly turned the heater on full blast, despite outdoor temperatures reaching 74 degrees. “I am going to cook you all,” Sliker reportedly told the students during the ride.
Investigators found that under such conditions—with the bus windows closed and the heater on full power—the cabin temperature could reach between 95 and 100 degrees. Police say the combination of heat and the threatening language created an atmosphere that left several young passengers genuinely afraid for their safety.
According to ExploreVenango, Sliker also allegedly warned the children that he would be bringing a paddle with him the following day. The police report described the behavior and comments as having caused fear of “serious bodily injury” among the students.
The Sugarcreek Borough Police Department said it worked closely with Valley Grove Elementary School during the investigation. As a result, Sliker has been charged with Simple Assault (a first-degree misdemeanor) and Recklessly Endangering Another Person (a second-degree misdemeanor).
Authorities have also issued a no trespass order barring Sliker from school property or any school-related functions.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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