Former Utah School Bus Driver Charged with Arson in Fires on Buses

Michael Austin Ford faces federal charges for setting fires on school buses, including one with 42 children on board, while driving.

A former Utah school bus driver, Michael Austin Ford, faces federal charges for setting fires on school buses, including one incident with 42 children aboard.
Ford is accused of using an ignition device to start the fires while driving, endangering the lives of students and himself.
The incidents occurred in February 2022 and April 2023, with Ford continuing to drive as smoke filled the bus.
Ford has a history of similar incidents, with additional fires reported on buses he drove in previous years.
He is scheduled for a jury trial on April 29, 2024, facing charges of arson of a vehicle of an organization receiving federal funds.