Moorpark, CA – The Moorpark Unified School District community is reeling after a school bus driver, 39-year-old Jason Watson, was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) while attempting to pick up a student on Tuesday, May 28, 2025. The incident has sparked intense concern over student safety and the oversight of transportation services within the district.
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Incident Details and Arrest
According to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, the alarming situation unfolded when a vigilant parent noticed suspicious behavior as Watson arrived to pick up a child. The parent reportedly detected a strong smell of alcohol emanating from the vehicle and quickly intervened, requesting that Watson pull over and park the bus.
Thanks to the parent’s quick thinking, no students were harmed, and law enforcement was promptly notified. A school resource officer, along with deputies from the sheriff’s patrol services, arrived on the scene and conducted an immediate evaluation. Officers observed signs of impairment, leading to Watson’s arrest at the location.
District and Community Response
The Moorpark Unified School District released a statement expressing deep concern and reaffirming its commitment to student safety.
“This is a deeply troubling situation that we are treating with the utmost seriousness,” a district spokesperson said. “We are grateful to the vigilant parent whose quick actions ensured student safety, and we thank our law enforcement partners for their swift response.”
The district confirmed that Watson has been removed from all duties and is cooperating with authorities. An internal review of hiring, training, and oversight procedures for transportation staff is currently underway.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
While formal charges are still pending, Watson remains in custody as the investigation continues. Authorities have not yet released details regarding his blood alcohol content (BAC) or any potential charges involving child endangerment.
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging anyone with relevant information to come forward to aid in the ongoing investigation.
Community Outrage and Calls for Reform
The incident has ignited community-wide outrage, with parents and residents demanding stronger safety measures and better accountability mechanisms for school transport personnel. Many are calling for:
- Random drug and alcohol screenings
- Real-time monitoring of bus drivers
- Expanded training programs
- Clearer protocols for reporting concerns
The school district acknowledged these concerns and indicated that a policy overhaul is under consideration to ensure student safety is never compromised.
A Wake-Up Call for Vigilance in School Transportation
This unsettling event serves as a critical reminder of the importance of vigilance and strict oversight in school transportation services. It highlights the essential role of community members, like the alert parent who intervened, in safeguarding children.
As the investigation unfolds, Moorpark Unified and local authorities remain committed to transparency, accountability, and systemic improvements to prevent such incidents in the future.
Student safety remains the top priority. The community now waits for legal updates and the district’s forthcoming safety reforms to ensure every child entrusted to school transportation is protected.
