A Moorpark Unified School District van driver was arrested Wednesday morning after a concerned parent reported smelling alcohol on him while he was picking up a student. The incident took place in Moorpark, California, and has raised significant safety concerns among parents and school officials.
The parent noticed the smell of alcohol and promptly contacted the school district. In response, the district alerted the Moorpark Police Department. Superintendent Kelli Hays stated that upon receiving the report, the district’s transportation dispatch instructed the driver to pull over immediately.
Fortunately, the students on the van were safely transferred to a backup vehicle and arrived at school on time. Parents were notified shortly after the police investigation concluded. Deputy K’Lynn Jackson, the school district’s resource officer, confirmed that police conducted a field sobriety test, including a breathalyzer check, but did not disclose the results.
The driver, identified as 39-year-old Jason Watson, was taken into custody and booked at the Ventura County Jail. Hays expressed gratitude to the parent who reported the situation and praised the quick action taken by the Moorpark Police Department. She emphasized that the safety of students and staff is the district’s top priority and noted that all drivers undergo extensive background checks and training, as well as random drug and alcohol testing throughout the year.
This incident has sparked discussions about the importance of vigilance when it comes to the safety of students, especially regarding school transportation.