Washington D.C. news anchor Leon Harris returned to the airwaves last week and apologized to the audience following a DUI arrest in January.
The popular NBC 4 anchor reportedly failed a sobriety test following a three-vehicle accident on Jan. 29. Police said Harris tried to leave the scene. He was subsequently taken off the air while the station and the police investigated.
“Many of you know that I made a terrible mistake one night back in January when I got into my car after drinking, a decision that was easily the stupidest decision I could have made,” said Harris. “What I did that night could have actually cost someone else their life.”
According to the New York Post, Harris pleaded guilty to a DUI in 2013 after being pulled over by a Maryland State Trooper. He received probation in that case.
Harris told his audience last week that he understands what he did in January, and that’s why he decided to check himself into an inpatient treatment center.
“I decided to go on my own to take some time off and get some professional help,” Harris said. “I have used this last month to work on myself, and I want to come on the air and thank everyone here at the station and all of you that have sent me some very, very kind messages.”
Harris faced nine misdemeanor charges stemming from the January incident. There is no word on the status of Harris’ case.
