UNION COUNTY, N.C. — Union County sheriff's deputies have joined into an investigation of vandalism to 19 school buses in Indian Trail.
School officials said the damage to the buses caused hundreds of students to be delayed on Monday morning.
Authorities said someone used a tool, possibly a pair of pliers, to crush the air valves on the tires to 19 school buses parked outside Porter Ridge High School.
Deputies said the method created a "slow leak" that was not obvious to the bus drivers during their pre-run inspections.
"Once the buses were in motion, that's when the flat would occur...our concern is the motive behind this. When any damage occurs to the equipment, it puts the driver and the students in jeopardy," said Shelton Jeffries, who oversees Auxiliary Services for the district.
As more drivers began to call in the growing problem, the district grounded the entire fleet to check every bus for safety.
"When you're talking about vehicles, I think there is always a chance for danger," said UCSO deputy Deborah Mollison.
Detectives will review surveillance video from cameras at the school for more clues about the suspect or suspects.
Anyone with information should call Union County Crime Stoppers.
WSOC
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