⏱ 2 min read
A former Utah school bus driver, Michael Austin Ford, 60, of West Valley City, intentionally set a school bus on fire with a cigarette lighter while driving it in Salt Lake City on April 7, 2023. Ford was caught on video igniting the bus and continued to drive with smoke billowing past his face. The bus, owned by the Granite School District, was receiving federal funds at the time of the incident.
According to court documents, Ford had also attempted to tamper with the bus’s video surveillance system in the days leading up to the arson. Additionally, Ford was accused of setting another Granite School District school bus on fire in February 2022, while 42 children were on board.
Ford’s change of plea hearing revealed his admission to the crime, and he is now scheduled to be sentenced on June 1, 2026, at the United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City. The prosecution hopes for a sentence that will protect the community from Ford’s reckless disregard for safety and the law.
The ATF worked tirelessly on the investigation, utilizing all available resources to ensure those who commit such crimes are held accountable. The case highlights the importance of prioritizing the safety of vulnerable populations, such as children, and the need to hold perpetrators of violent crimes accountable.
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📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Violent Crime
- Defendant: Utah
- Location: UT
- Source: DOJ Press Release
