Man Arrested After FBI Probes Stolen School Bus From Livingston: Police

LIVINGSTON, NJ — After school officials around North Jersey warned parents on Thursday about a stolen school bus from Livingston, law enforcement agents arrested a Saudi Arabian national, 22, in Pennsylvania and charged him with theft.

Livingston Police Chief Gary Marshuetz said Thursday that it appeared that the person was acting alone and was taken into custody without incident.

The FBI began investigating and police had beefed up patrols near Essex County schools after the bus was stolen Wednesday.

Livingston Superintendent of Schools Matthew Block said Thursday, "We wish to express sincere thanks to the Livingston Police Department for working closely with the district on this matter ... In the age of immediate information, it can be difficult to have the faith to allow the police to do their work without knowing the details of that work, but as we have seen, our patience and understanding has allowed the law enforcement professionals to reach this positive outcome."

Officials in North Jersey towns including Wayne, Nutley, and Livingston had sent alerts to parents, with Nutley's chief of police advising parents to check the school bus that picks up their kids to make sure it was the right bus. Wayne Superintendent of Schools Mark Toback also made parents aware.

Chief Marshuetz said on Thursday, "The Livingston Police Department, in conjunction with federal, state, county, and local law enforcement agencies are pleased to announce an arrest was made in connection with the stolen Livingston school bus. A 22-year-old Saudi Arabian national was taken into custody in Pennsylvania without incident in the early morning hours of 1/19/23."

The suspect was charged with motor vehicle theft, burglary theft of moveable property, criminal damage, and criminal trespass, the chief said.

"There is no indication this actor conspired with others and it is believed he acted alone," Marshuetz said.

FBI Public Affairs Specialist Amy J. Thoreson said in a statement, "FBI Newark and our law enforcement partners are investigating the incident involving the stolen bus from a school in Livingston, NJ. A person of interest is in custody, and there is no threat to public safety at this time. If more information becomes available, we will let you know."

Officials did not release the suspect's name or more information as of Thursday.

ABC reported that the bus had been taken from a Livingston public school parking lot on Wednesday.

Residents React

On Thursday, residents on Facebook asked why the suspect would have reason to be near schools, and questioned whether the bus had a tracking device.

Livingston Township spokesperson Judith Heller had said Thursday morning that a person of interest was identified, and "No expense is being spared in locating both the individual and vehicle." But officials declined to comment further in the ongoing investigation.

Nutley police said that they had increased their presence near their schools:

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