The Democrat mayor of Fort Wayne, Indian, Tom Henry, has issued an apology after he was arrested for drunk driving over the weekend.
Henry, who has served as mayor since 2008 and is running for a fifth term, was arrested after causing a car crash on Saturday night.
He was released Sunday morning.
The mayor released a statement admitting to the charges and apologizing for his actions.
“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,” he said.
“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 am terribly embarrassed by the poor decision-making that occurred last evening.
“I am sorry that I put our police department in that situation last evening. I knew better.
“I will be held accountable for those actions in future legal proceedings.
“I respect our legal process, and I will adhere to decisions made by our court, and I will accept those consequences.
“As your mayor, I will not hide from my actions, nor will I make excuses.
“But today I ask that you please respect my inability to speak to the facts of the matter until I am fairly and appropriately adjudicated,” he said.
Republican mayoral candidate Tom Didier said:
“I have known the Henry family for much of my life.
“Cindy Henry actually was one of the first people to encourage me to run for public office.
“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.”
Jason Arp, the president of the city council, said:
“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.”
Congressional candidate Nathan Gotsch said:
“Everyone makes mistakes and, like the Mayor, I am relieved that all indications are that no one was hurt.
“One of the requirements of holding public office is accountability and transparency in moments like these.
“The Mayor’s statements at his press conference earlier today are a step in the right direction, but more is still needed as this process moves forward.
“I encourage Mayor Henry to ask the FWPD to release the police report now so that the citizens of Fort Wayne know the full story of what happened.
“Only then will we as a community be able to move beyond this incident together,” he said.
Fort Wayne, Indiana Mayor Tom Henry admitted to drinking and driving after he was involved in a car accident Saturday night, according to a statement from his office. https://t.co/R2ieA0kesO
— NBC News (@NBCNews) October 9, 2022
BREAKING NEWS: Fort Wayne Mayor, Tom Henry, was arrested Sunday for driving while intoxicated.https://t.co/nQjuYY2CD3
— WISH-TV (@WISH_TV) October 9, 2022
