Coweta County deputies investigate reported theft of Arbor Springs Elementary school bus later recovered in Temple

Incident reported after-hours; bus found in another county

Deputies in Coweta County are investigating the reported theft of a school bus taken from Arbor Springs Elementary School and later recovered in Temple, Georgia. Authorities said there were no injuries and no threat to students or staff because the incident occurred when school was not in session.

Investigators said the bus was discovered missing after it had been removed from school property outside normal hours. The vehicle was later located in Temple with assistance from local police there. Officials said the bus was recovered with no visible damage.

Timeline and locations

Investigators have described the incident as occurring overnight and outside school operating hours. The bus was reported taken from Arbor Springs Elementary School in northern Coweta County, near Newnan. The recovered location—Temple—sits west of Coweta County across the metro Atlanta region’s outer edge, placing the episode across county lines.

Authorities have not publicly identified a motive. Law enforcement has not announced an arrest, and no charges have been released as of Thursday morning, Feb. 12, 2026.

What investigators say they know so far

Law enforcement released surveillance images of a female suspect and asked the public for help identifying her. Investigators have also indicated that onboard camera footage captured clear images during the incident.

Officials said there were no indications of forced entry into the bus. The circumstances of how the suspect accessed and drove the vehicle remain part of the active investigation.

• The bus was taken from Arbor Springs Elementary School property outside normal school hours.
• The vehicle was later located in Temple, Georgia, and recovered without visible damage.
• No students were present, and no injuries were reported.
• Surveillance images were released as investigators seek public assistance.

Public safety and operational questions

While the event did not involve students, the reported theft underscores how school transportation equipment can become vulnerable during off-hours. In similar cases nationwide, investigations often focus on access control, key management, and the security of vehicle staging areas—issues that can affect how quickly a vehicle can be moved without immediate detection.

Anyone who recognizes the suspect in the released images has been asked to contact investigators with the Coweta County Sheriff’s Office.

The investigation remains ongoing, and officials have said they will continue reviewing evidence, including surveillance materials, as they work to identify the suspect and determine how the bus was removed from school property.