CT Talk Show Host In DUI Crash Thanks Community For Support

DARIEN, CT — Popular talk show host and Darien resident Steve Wilkos, who was arrested last week on a DUI charge in connection with a January crash, issued a statement Tuesday admitting to his mistake in driving drunk and thanking Darien residents for their support. The statement was released through Wilkos' attorney, Eugene Riccio, of the Bridgeport law firm Young & Riccio.

"I would like to express my deep appreciation to the residents of Darien for their tremendous help and support for me and my family in this difficult time," wrote Wilkos. "We moved to Darien nine years ago from Chicago. It is our home and where we intend to raise our children. Since my arrest, many Darien residents have reached out to me and members of my family to express their heartfelt support. I cannot adequately describe how grateful my family is for those genuine efforts of consolation to us."

Wilkos was injured on the afternoon of Jan. 21 when he smashed his vehicle into a utility pole on West Avenue in Darien, with the vehicle flipping over onto its side. No other vehicles were involved in the crash.

Darien police, which obtained a warrant to test Wilkos' blood alcohol content level, said that his BAC at the time of the crash was .29 percent, which is more than three-times the legal limit.

"I made a mistake that day by driving under the influence and am prepared to accept the legal consequences for my actions," Wilkos added. "However, since that time I have taken substantial measures to ensure that this will never happen again. Finally, I am particularly grateful that no other person was injured as a result of this incident. Thank you all for your kind and considerate thoughts."

Wilkos' show, The Steve Wilkos Show, is filmed in Stamford, and he is scheduled to appear in Stamford Superior Court on March 5.

Images via Shutterstock and the Darien Police Department