A Moore Park driver was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of driving under the influence.
The driver, who runs a minivan for the Moorpark Unified school district, reportedly was picking up a student when the child's parents smelled alcohol on the driver, according to the Ventura County Sheriff's Department.
Parents immediately called the school district, which notified the Moorpark Police Department. Supt's statement. Kelli Hays said the area’s transportation dispatch directed the driver to stop and stop the van immediately after receiving the report.
The van students were transferred to a spare van and arrived at the school on time and safely, and the police contacted their parents shortly after the investigation was completed.
Deputy K'lynn Jackson, a school district resource officer, confirmed to The Times Thursday that police had conducted on-site sobriety tests, including a breath analyzer check, but she had no right to share the results.
Driver Jason Watson of Moorpark, 39, was arrested and booked in Ventura County Jail.
Hayes praised the parents who initially reported and the Moore Park Police Department in a written statement to the Times on Thursday.
“The safety of students and staff is our top priority,” Hayes 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 year-round pre-employment screening and random drug and alcohol testing.”
