A 45-year-old Indianapolis man has been charged with arson after setting fire to an IndyGo bus and bus station in April, causing $2.1 million in damages and injury to a passenger.
Demarcus McCloud, of Indianapolis, made his initial appearance in federal court on charges of arson of property and vehicle receiving federal funds, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ) USAO. The indictment alleges that McCloud intentionally set fire to Bus #1993 at the IndyGo bus stop at 38th and North Meridian Streets on April 24, 2024.
Surveillance cameras captured McCloud boarding the bus at the Julia Carson Transit Center on Washington Street, carrying a jug full of liquid and two butane lighters. As the bus approached the stop at Meridian and 38th Streets, McCloud began pouring out the liquid onto the floor and lit another piece of paper, causing the puddle to ignite.
According to the indictment, McCloud then ran from the station, leaving behind a passenger who suffered from smoke inhalation and was transported to the hospital for treatment. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is investigating the case.
The IndyGo bus sustained approximately $2.1 million in damages, and the bus stop sustained approximately $25,000 in damages. IndyGo operates its public transportation buses under the Federal Transportation Administration.
If convicted, McCloud faces up to 40 years in federal prison. U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Pamela S. Domash for prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and McCloud is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The ATF investigation is ongoing, and the public is urged to report any information that may aid in the case.
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Key Facts
- State: Indiana
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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