School bus catalytic converter thefts force Troy 30-C School District in Joliet forced to use emergency e-learning day

JOLIET, Ill. (WLS) — A rash of catalytic converter thefts targeting a Joliet school bus parking lot forced an e-learning day for students Monday.

Joliet police responded to a theft incident at the Troy School District Transportation Lot on Theodore Street. Reports indicated that catalytic converters were stolen from multiple school buses during the early hours of Monday. Upon investigation, it was discovered that the converters had been removed from 30 buses belonging to the district between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Police said the suspected vehicle involved is a dark-colored SUV that was last seen near Riviera Boulevard and Leonard Drive shortly after 3 a.m.

Authorities from the Troy 30-C School District confirmed that over 80% of their bus fleet was affected by the theft, leaving them non-operational. Consequently, the district declared an emergency e-learning day and is making efforts to repair the buses promptly.

It remains uncertain if there will be any additional e-learning days this week while the buses are being fixed. The district assured parents that they would receive updates regarding the situation.

READ MORE: 2025 New Illinois laws in effect on Jan. 1 include tracking catalytic converter thefts

Joliet police and the Tri County Auto Theft Task Force are working leading the investigation into the thefts, and working closely with the school district.

Police are asking anyone with video or information about to contact the Tri County Auto Theft Task Force at 815-724-4677 or [email protected], or to contact Will County Crime Stoppers at 800-323-6734 to leave an anonymous tip.

INTERACTIVE CRIME TRACKER: Track crime and safety in your neighborhood

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

You May Also Like
Legal fight over American college student’s resort disappearance could come down to who was ‘reckless’: lawyer

Lawsuit involving missing college student at resort may hinge on who acted irresponsibly, says attorney

Before the American college student went missing in the Dominican Republic, she…
White Lotus producer defends incest kiss after claims show went 'too far'

White Lotus creator justifies kissing scene involving incest amid criticisms of pushing boundaries.

David Bernad, the producer of White Lotus, has come forward to address…
Peruvian fisherman found alive after 95 days lost at sea

Fisherman from Peru rescued after being lost at sea for 95 days

A Peruvian fisherman has been found alive in the Pacific Ocean after…
Terror group shares sick cryptic video after Trump vowed to unleash hell on them

“Terror group releases disturbing mysterious video following Trump’s threat of strong retaliation”

Houthi rebels in Yemen have shared an offensive animation depicting American flags…
Altoona Police arresting Luigi Mangione gave him a sneaky snack to get his DNA: lawyer

Altoona Police tricked Luigi Mangione with a snack to obtain his DNA, claims lawyer

Luigi Mangione from Pennsylvania found himself in a surprising situation when the…
Hollywood actress Justine Bateman tears into Harry and Meghan saying public are sick of their 'Victims Olympics'

Justine Bateman criticizes Harry and Meghan, suggesting that the public is tired of their portrayal of themselves as perpetual victims.

Family Ties and Desperate Housewives star Justine Bateman has accused Meghan Markle…
Iran official exposes Tehran's global assassination program as US trial of alleged regime hitmen continues

Iranian official reveals Tehran’s worldwide assassination program during ongoing US trial of accused regime assassins

The federal trial in Manhattan of two alleged contract killers reportedly hired…
Trump 'voids' Biden's pardons after ex president used autopen signature and moves to investigate Fauci and Cheney

Trump cancels Biden’s pardons signed using autopen, launches inquiry into Fauci and Cheney

Former President Donald Trump asserted that the recent pardons issued by his…
NCAA Men's March Madness brackets have Auburn as the overall No. 1 followed by Duke, Houston, Florida

Auburn leads the way in NCAA Men’s March Madness brackets, with Duke, Houston, and Florida not far behind.

Johni Broome, who is the SEC player of the year, led the…
5 injured in car crash in Marengo, Illinois near North Union Road and Route 176 as snow impacts road conditions: officials

Car Accident In Marengo, Illinois Leaves 5 People Injured Due to Snowy Road Conditions, Reports Say

MARENGO, Ill. (WLS) — Five people were injured, three critically, in a…
Russia wants 'ironclad' guarantee that Ukraine will be barred from NATO: official

Russia demands rock-solid assurance that Ukraine will not join NATO: official

According to reports, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko expressed the Kremlin’s…
LA Marathon 2025: Matt Richtman, runner of Elburn, Illinois, is 1st American man to win Los Angeles Marathon in 31 years

American Runner Matt Richtman from Elburn, Illinois, Wins 2025 LA Marathon, Ending 31-Year Drought for US Men

LOS ANGELES — Matt Richtman won the 40th annual Los Angeles Marathon…