Incident Overview

A Moorpark school van driver was arrested on the job Wednesday on suspicion of driving under the influence, according to authorities.

Reporting the Incident

The driver, who operated a small van for the Moorpark Unified School District, was picking up a student Wednesday morning when the child’s parent reportedly smelled alcohol on the driver, according to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department.

Immediate Response

The parent promptly called the school district, which notified the Moorpark Police Department. A statement from Supt. Kelli Hays said the district’s transportation dispatch instructed the driver to pull over and stop the van immediately after receiving the report.

Ensuring Student Safety

The students on the van were transferred to a backup van and safely arrived at school on time, and their parents were contacted shortly after the police investigation concluded, the superintendent said.

Investigation Details

Deputy K’Lynn Jackson, the school district’s resource officer, confirmed to The Times on Thursday that police conducted a field sobriety test, including a breathalyzer check, but she was not authorized to share the results.

Arrest and Booking

The driver, 39-year-old Jason Watson of Moorpark, was arrested and booked at the Ventura County Jail.

District Response

In a written statement to The Times on Thursday, Hays commended the parent who made the initial report and the Moorpark Police Department.

Safety Protocols

“The safety of our students and staff is our top priority,” Hays’ statement continued. “MUSD’s Transportation Department maintains a strong safety record and requires all drivers to complete extensive background checks and training. In addition, all drivers are subject to strict federal drug and alcohol regulations, including pre-employment screening and random drug and alcohol testing throughout the year.”

Conclusion

The incident highlights the importance of vigilance and prompt action in ensuring the safety of students. The Moorpark Unified School District’s swift response and existing safety protocols helped prevent any harm to the students. The district’s commitment to maintaining a strong safety record and adhering to federal regulations is commendable.

FAQs

• Q: What led to the arrest of the Moorpark school van driver?
  A: The driver was arrested after a parent reported smelling alcohol on the driver during a student pickup.
• Q: What actions were taken to ensure student safety after the report?
  A: The students were transferred to a backup van and arrived at school safely, and their parents were informed after the police investigation.
• Q: What is the Moorpark Unified School District’s stance on driver safety and regulations?
  A: The district prioritizes student and staff safety, requiring extensive background checks, training, and adhering to federal drug and alcohol regulations for all drivers.