A Moorpark College student was cited and released near campus on Thursday, Feb. 21, for alleged possession of less than one ounce of marijuana, in addition to alleged texting while driving.

The student was stopped as he was southbound in a black Volkswagen on Collins Road near Campus Canyon Elementary, said Deputy Anaya.

A Sheriff’s van, two motorcycles, and a police cruiser, blocked a lane of traffic leaving Moorpark College campus.

Police said they noticed that he was texting while driving. When they stopped the car to cite the student for allegedly texting, they said that they found narcotics in the car.

After the student performed standard sobriety tests including eye tracking, balance, and walking with one foot in front of the other, heel-to-heel, police cited and released him.

Police told him that if he was a little more impaired that he would be going to jail for driving under the influence rather than just being given a citation.

“This is some serious stuff and way too many people get hurt because someone is buzzed and they crash into someone and they get hurt,” Anaya explained to the student. “You know that. You know how much weed you can smoke before you feel jacked up.”

The student has three options. He can contest the ticket in court, pay it via mail, or pay it at the courthouse. If he is found guilty, the student could face a fine of around $100.  The accused student must contact the court before April 8 to notify them of his intentions.