FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The mayor of the second-largest city in Indiana has offered a public apology after he was arrested for driving under the influence.
Tom Henry, who has been mayor of Fort Wayne, Indiana, since 2008, said in a tweet: “I want to apologize to the residents of Fort Wayne and my family for the poor decision I made to get behind the wheel of a vehicle after drinking at a local function. I accept full responsibility for my actions. I’m relieved that no one was hurt in this incident. The Fort Wayne Police Department handled this situation with professionalism and followed all of the correct procedures and protocols.”
I want to apologize to the residents of Fort Wayne and my family for the poor decision I made to get behind the wheel of a vehicle after drinking at a local function. I accept full responsibility for my actions.
— Mayor Tom Henry (@MayorTomHenry) October 9, 2022
Wayne echoed the sentiments in a statement read to reporters after his release from the Allen County Jail on Sunday, The Associated Press reported. “Like every other resident of the city of Fort Wayne, I will be held accountable for those actions in future legal proceedings. I respect the legal process. I will adhere to the legal process. And I will accept the consequences.”
Court records obtained by WPTA indicate Henry, 70, had a blood alcohol content of 0.152% and faces three counts of operating a vehicle while intoxicated. The legal limit is 0.08%. In Indiana, enhanced charges can be added for people who are pulled over with a BAC higher than 0.15%.
Henry, a Democrat, is currently running for reelection. His Republican opponent, Tom Didier, told the AP that he has known the Henry family for a long time.
“These relationships go beyond politics. I would encourage everyone to pray for them and all those involved in this accident and I hope that no one was seriously harmed.”
Fort Wayne City Council President Jason Arp, a Republican, said in August he was considering running for mayor and issued a statement to WPTA saying, “I was saddened to hear the news this morning. We can all be thankful that no one was injured. My family will keep the mayor and his family in our prayers during this difficult time. It’s best that we limit our comments until all investigations into the matter have been concluded.”
WANE requested the police report from the incident, but was told by officers that the department does not release reports for cases under investigation.
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