Troy 30-C schools going to e-learning again Tuesday after catalytic converters stolen from 30 buses

Troy Community Consolidated School District 30-C is calling for a second day of remote learning for students Tuesday as the district works to restore transportation services following vandalism of many of its school buses.

“Due to challenges in attempting to restore our transportation services following the vandalism of our bus fleet, the Troy 30-C School District will extend emergency eLearning through Tuesday, February 11, 2025,” the district posted on its website Tuesday afternoon.

While preparing buses for the day, the district’s transportation team discovered vandalism to more than 80% of the district’s large bus fleet early Monday morning, according to a written statement from School District 30-C.

The catalytic converters were stolen from the buses, rendering the buses inoperative, according to School District 30-C.

“Despite our security measures, including cameras, lighting, and fencing, this unfortunate incident still occurred,” according to the school district.

When Joliet police responded on Monday morning to the Troy School District Transportation Lot located at 5800 Theodore St., they learned catalytic converters were cut from 30 school district busses between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. Monday, according to a news release from the Joliet Police Department.

“Thirty catalytic converters is a lot to fit into one vehicle.”

—  Louis Ayala, deputy director of the Tri-County Auto Theft Task Force

The catalytic converter was also cut from a plow truck the district keeps outside in the same parking lot, according to Luis Ayala, deputy director of the Tri- County Auto Theft Task Force.

Ayala said the task force is checking all vehicles “in case we missed one.”

The Troy 30-C’s transportation department has 65 buses total that serve all seven of the district’s schools, according to the district’s website.

The suspect vehicle, described as a dark colored SUV, “passed the intersection of Riviera Boulevard. and Leonard Drive in Joliet” between 3 and 3:15 a.m., according to a written statement from the school district.

“My investigators are currently following leads and looking for a better still shot image of the vehicle that was used,” Ayala said. “Once that’s out, it will be disseminated.”

But Ayala said more than one vehicle may be involved.

“Thirty catalytic converters is a lot to fit into one vehicle,” he said.

Ayala said at least three suspects were involved, maybe more. It appears those involved accessed the buses through a path off Riveria “that cuts through pretty much to Troy Middle School.”

It’s believed the suspects drove up to the fence, hopped over the fence, cut the catalytic converters and then went back out, Ayala said.

“This is how we believe it was done,” Ayala said. “But we are still reviewing the camera.”

Troy 30-C said it’s actively working with the Joliet Police Department and local authorities on the investigation.

”We are [also] quickly working and in contact with our bus vendors to get our bus fleet up and running as soon as possible," according to the district.

To help quickly restore bus services, Troy 30-C on Monday sent a team to pick up the necessary parts for repairs, according to the statement from the school district.

Troy 30-C is also working with nearby districts to borrow buses and with bus vendors for new, replacement certified buses, according to the school district.

Troy 30-C serves over 3,500 students students from several communities including Shorewood, Joliet, Channahon and Crest Hill.

The thefts remain under active investigation.

If anyone has video footage or additional information regarding these thefts, they are asked to contact the Tri-County Auto Theft Task Force at tcat@joliet.gov or call 815-724-4677.

To remain anonymous, contact Will County Crime Stoppers at 800-323-6734 or crimestoppersofwillcounty.org.