Picking up two small children from Walter Woodward Elementary School Thursday afternoon led to the arrest of one mother on two counts of child endangerment and for driving under the influence.

Theresa Stevens, 48, drew the attention of Manteca Police motorcycle officer David Bright as she drove away from the front of the school.  Bright said he activated his red lights and siren as he saw her pull out from the school and she reportedly continued driving to the corner and some 250 feet up the block.

Traffic officer John Machado was there backing up Bright saying he was concerned for the safety of about 200 children who were crowded onto the sidewalk around the corner by the west side of the school.

Preliminary breath testing at the scene indicated the woman’s blood alcohol level was some three times the legal limit, police said.

Stevens had two children in the car – a boy and a girl – ages 5 and 7. The children were released to a relative.  Mrs. Stevens was transported to San Joaquin County Jail in French Camp.