San Benito Correctional Officer arrested for DUI with children in the car; San Benito County Sheriff’s Office

SAN BENITO COUNTY, Calif. (KION-TV) -- The San Benito County Sheriff's Office announced Thursday that Correctional Officer, 39-year-old Jorge Mendoza, was arrested on charges of driving under the influence and child endangerment Wednesday around 6:30 p.m.

The sheriff's office said that the Gustine Police Department pulled over Officer Mendoza on suspicion of driving under the influence while his children were in the car. They say that the children's mother picked them up at the scene.

Officer Mendoza was booked into the Merced County Jail and released on bail Thursday morning, according to deputies.

They say that he's been placed on leave pending an internal investigation.

"As law enforcement officers, we are held to the highest standards of accountability and conduct—both on and off duty," said Sheriff Eric Taylor. "The decision to drive under the influence, particularly with children in the car, shows a significant lapse in judgment and endangered lives."

The Sheriff's Office says that they recognize the gravity of child endangerment and are cooperating with ongoing investigations into the matter. They are asking the community to remain patient as the investigation is underway.