Misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter charged in Stevenson Ranch incident.

A warrant has been issued for the Santa Clarita Transit driver involved in a fatal Jan. 18 crash, charging him with misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter.

Rosamond resident David Juliano Delape, an employee of Veolia Transportation, which contracts with Santa Clarita, has been on unpaid administrative leave since the incident, according to company spokesperson Kelly Smith.

“It’s absolutely a tragedy and our thoughts and prayers are with both families,” Smith said. “Safety is a priority.”

Sandi Gibbons of the L.A. District Attorney’s office said that the warrant was filed today and that Delape will receive a letter telling him when to appear in court. If convicted, Delape could serve up to a year in county jail, be assessed a fine, or both.

“By filing this charge, we are not alleging that there was gross negligence,” Gibbons explained.

The CHP recommended in a report issued Feb. 20 that Delape be charged with vehicular manslaughter.

On Jan. 18, Delape was driving a Santa Clarita Transit bus southbound on The Old Road in Stevenson Ranch when he hit a Toyota Camry driven by Janine M. Doughlin that was crossing the intersection at Constitution Avenue. Doughlin died at the scene.

No court date has been set and Delape is not in custody.