Parents in Pennsylvania are reeling after what should have been a simple bus ride home turned into an alarming nightmare. Local police say a longtime school bus driver is now facing criminal charges after allegedly subjecting elementary school children to disturbing threats and extreme conditions inside his bus.
According to local reports, the incident occurred on September 17, 2025, involving 75-year-old bus driver Harvey Sliker of Utica. Children who were escorted home from school by Sliker reportedly returned crying and drenched in sweat, prompting concerned parents to contact authorities.
Investigators revealed that Sliker allegedly ordered the children to close the bus windows and then warned them, “I am going to cook you all,” before turning the bus heater on full blast. Authorities noted that, with the windows up and the heater cranked, temperatures inside the bus reached between 95 and 100 degrees, while the outside temperature was a milder 74 degrees.
Parents took to Facebook and shared that this wasn’t the only threat the driver made. He reportedly threatened to bring a paddle the following day, causing fear among children ages 5 to 12. Police confirmed that these statements and actions “placed multiple children in fear of serious bodily injury.”
Charges Filed — But Pennsylvania Parents Want More
The Sugarcreek Borough Police Department worked closely with Valley Grove Elementary School during their investigation. Charges have now been filed against Sliker, including misdemeanors of simple assault and recklessly endangering another person. The defendant has also been served with a no-trespass order preventing him from entering any school property or attending school-related activities.
The incident has sparked heated discussion on social media. With many locals questioning why charges weren’t filed for each affected child. Parents shared alarming anecdotes about their own kids coming home hot and sweaty, and some called for additional legal action. Comments ranged from outrage to gratitude toward the police for stepping in.
Pennsylvania Kids Traumatized
“If I bus driver ever did that to my kids. I’d be the one with those charges,” one concerned parent writes.
“This is absolutely terrifying…. im so glad I have the ability to take my daughter to and from school,” adds another.
One school bus driver saw things differently and voiced their unpopular opinion as well. “Parents are letting them to do whatever they want so if they were hanging out the windows i can see why the windows are up and I’m a bus driver and if their hands or arms are out the windows I give ONE warning and they are only to put the window halfway and if it continues the window stays up for however long i decide!!!!!”
“Pretty sure these kids aren’t going to all make up the same story. Also, video doesn’t lie!,” one more parent chimes in.
The case has rattled families across the area. This leaves parents horrified that something so terrifying could happen on what should have been an ordinary school bus ride. Instead of trust, there’s now anger, fear, and a demand for accountability. As charges move forward, one thing is certain. This nightmare has shattered any sense of safety for the children involved, and the community won’t forget it anytime soon.
Nina Franklin 
Kendra Quinn 
Hunter Spears 
