Catalytic converter thefts sideline Indiana school buses, force e-learning day

Thieves target NW Indiana buses, forcing remote learning day

Michigan City Area Schools shifted to e-learning Tuesday after vandals stole catalytic converters from about 20 school buses, police said.

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. - Michigan City Area Schools shifted to e-learning Tuesday after vandals stole catalytic converters from about 20 school buses, police said.

What we know:

At approximately 5:25 a.m., police were called to the Michigan City Area Schools Transportation Department, located in the 1100 block of South Woodland Avenue, where staff made the alarming discovery as they were preparing to begin their routes. 

According to Michigan City Area Schools (MCAS), catalytic converters were stolen from 21 district buses. With many students suddenly left without transportation, officials canceled in-person classes for the day.

MCAS said all schools were operating on an asynchronous e-learning day. Secondary students received assignments online from their teachers, while elementary students without devices were asked to work on previously assigned homework. 

Meanwhile, the Little Wolves Early Learning Center was closed for the day.

The incident came on a day when some schools in Northwest Indiana had delayed starts due to heavy rainfall and flooding overnight.

What they're saying:

Michigan City Police Chief Marty Corley said investigators are reviewing surveillance video from the transportation department's property but believe the suspect(s) made entry into the lot through a wooded area. 

"You affect kids, you affect families, you affect teachers, you affect the city," Corley shared. "When we do get the suspect or suspects in custody, then we will assess from there, but we will be looking at the highest possible charges for this crime."

In a statement late Tuesday afternoon, a spokesperson for Michigan City Area Schools confirmed that with support from area school districts, which are loaning some of their buses, certain grade levels will be able to return to the classroom on Wednesday.

"The investigation is ongoing with the Michigan City Police Department, and we are working closely with law enforcement," the MCAS spokesperson said. "We know this sudden change is disruptive, and we appreciate your patience and support as we work through this unexpected situation."

The MCAS statement continued, in part: 

"We extend our sincere thanks to LaPorte Community School Corporation, New Prairie United School Corporation, South Central Community School Corporation, and Warsaw Community Schools for generously providing additional buses to support our students."

What's next:

Michigan City Area Schools announced Wednesday afternoon that all schools would return to a regular in-person schedule on Thursday and Friday.

The Michigan City Police Department asks anyone with information about this case to contact Det./Cpl. Adam Brinkman at (219) 874-3221 ext.1088 or by email at abrinkman@emichigancity.com.

The Michigan City Police Department can also be contacted via Facebook Messenger or through its crime tip hotline number at (219) 873-1488.