FORT WORTH -- KXAS/Channel 5 anchor Jane McGarry has quit her job after pleading no contest to driving while intoxicated, admitting that she was over the legal limit when arrested in May and pledging that it will never happen again.
In a statement sent Tuesday to the Star-Telegram and posted on her Facebook page, McGarry said tests showed that her blood alcohol level was 0.11 and "therefore I should not have been driving." McGarry said she has paid a $1,200 fine, will be on probation for 18 months and will serve at least 40 hours of community service for the Class B misdemeanor."I apologize for my irresponsible behavior and am grateful that the police did their job and no one was hurt," McGarry said in the statement. "I am deeply sorry for making such a terrible mistake and pledge it will never happen again."Shortly after her announcement, NBC 5 issued a statement saying that McGarry had left effective Tuesday."We support Jane's decision and truly thank her for her many contributions to NBC 5 throughout her long and distinguished career. We wish her the very best," President and General Manager Tom Ehlmann said in the statement.McGarry said she was grateful for the time she spent there."I want to thank the people of North Texas for inviting me into their homes for 30 wonderful years," she said in the statement. "In today's world, 30 years is a long time to stay in any one job."A Department of Public Safety trooper stopped McGarry's 2007 Porsche about 1:30 a.m. May 6 after she failed to signal a lane change on the Dallas North Tollway.A DPS report said McGarry, 56, had bloodshot, droopy eyes, swayed and "used a loud tone of voice when talking."She failed sobriety tests, The Dallas Morning News has reported.McGarry admitted drinking three glasses of wine, according to the report, but refused a breathalyzer test. A mandatory blood sample was then taken, reports say.In announcing her plea, McGarry thanked followers on her Facebook page for their kindness."You have touched my heart," she posted.Deanna Boyd, 817-390-7655Twitter: @deannaboydHave more to add? News tip? Tell us
