The Moorpark Unified School District community is shaken following the arrest of a transportation driver, Jason Watson, 39, on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) during a routine student pickup. The incident occurred on Tuesday, May 28, 2025, and has raised significant concerns regarding student safety and oversight within the district’s transportation services.
According to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, the situation came to light after a vigilant parent noticed suspicious behavior while Watson was arriving to pick up a student. The parent detected a strong odor of alcohol emanating from the driver’s vehicle and promptly requested that Watson pull over and park. This quick thinking ensured the safety of the student and prompted immediate law enforcement intervention.
Upon arrival, a School Resource Officer along with members of Patrol Services conducted a well-being check on Watson. Observations at the scene revealed signs of impairment, leading to Watson’s arrest for driving under the influence. Fortunately, no students were harmed during the incident, and law enforcement confirmed the situation was de-escalated without further complications.
The Moorpark Unified School District representatives responded swiftly, cooperating fully with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office throughout the investigation. The district emphasized its commitment to student safety and transparency as it reviews internal protocols regarding the hiring, training, and supervision of transportation staff.
“This is a deeply concerning situation that we are treating with the utmost seriousness,” stated a spokesperson from the school district. “We are grateful to the vigilant parent who acted swiftly and to our law enforcement partners for their immediate response.” The district is undertaking a thorough review of policies to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
Community reaction has been one of shock and disappointment, with parents and residents voicing urgent calls for increased accountability and enhanced safety measures. The incident has sparked debates on how to better monitor transportation staff and ensure that students are always protected during their commute.
While formal charges against Watson are pending, authorities confirmed that he remains in custody. At this time, details such as Watson’s blood alcohol content and whether further charges like child endangerment will be filed have not been disclosed. The school district has removed Watson from all duties during the investigation and pledged to implement additional safeguards.
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with further information related to this case to come forward to assist in the ongoing investigation. Ensuring the safety of students in Moorpark remains a top priority for both law enforcement and educational officials.
This incident serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of vigilance and rigorous oversight in school transportation services. The Moorpark Unified School District’s response demonstrates a commitment to addressing concerns transparently and proactively, aiming to rebuild trust and guarantee that student safety is never compromised. As this case unfolds, the community awaits further updates and actions designed to safeguard the children entrusted to the district’s care.
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