Demarcus McCloud, 46, of Indianapolis, has been sentenced to eight years in federal prison and three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to two counts of malicious damage to property receiving federal funds and one count of malicious damage to federal property. He was also ordered to pay over $1.7 million in restitution.
According to court records, on April 24, 2024, McCloud set fire to an IndyGo bus at the intersection of 38th and North Meridian Streets. Video footage showed McCloud boarding Bus #1993 with a jug of liquid and two butane lighters. After moving around the bus, he poured liquid down the aisle and ignited it as he exited. The fire destroyed the bus while it was operating on the Red Line route.
First responders arrived to find the bus engulfed in flames. A passenger assisting with traffic control was hospitalized for smoke inhalation after being enveloped by smoke when wind conditions shifted.
Investigators also determined that four days before this incident, McCloud set fire inside a trash can at another IndyGo facility at Virginia Avenue and New Jersey Street. Both properties were funded partly through federal grants administered by the Federal Transit Administration.
The total damages from both incidents amounted to approximately $1,790,685.
Authorities noted McCloud’s extensive criminal history spanning 25 years, including convictions for battery causing serious injury, burglary, drug offenses, intimidation, and violent threats against law enforcement officers and civilians.
“This defendant’s reckless actions endangered innocent lives, destroyed public property, and wasted nearly $2 million in taxpayer-funded resources,” said Tom Wheeler, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Federal dollars are invested in our communities to serve and protect the public, not to be torched by a violent repeat offender with no regard for human life. Thanks to the swift response of first responders and the dedication of our federal and local law enforcement partners, he has been held accountable for his dangerous and destructive conduct.”
“As the lead investigative agency in this tragic arson incident, the ATF was proud to work alongside our state and local partners to bring justice to the victims and the community,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge John Smerglia. “This successful collaboration ensured that McCloud was held accountable and received the sentence his actions warranted.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) worked with Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) on this investigation. Chief U.S. District Judge James R. Sweeney II imposed sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Pamela S. Domash prosecuted the case.
