FORT WORTH -- KXAS-TV 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 to the Star-Telegram today and posted on her Facebook page, McGarry said tests showed 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 sent out a release stating that McGarry left her job at NBC 5 "effective today.""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." Tom Ehlmann, NBC 5 president and general manager said in the news release.McGarry said she was grateful for the time she spent at NBC 5."I want to thank the people of North Texas for inviting me into their homes for 30 wonderful years," McGarry said in the NBC news release. " In today's world, 30 years is a long time to stay in any one job."A Department of Public Safety trooper had stopped McGarry's 2007 Porsche about 1:30 a.m. on May 6 after she failed to signal a lane change on the Dallas North Tollway.A DPS report stated McGarry, 56, had bloodshot, droopy eyes, swayed and "used a loud tone of voice when talking."She failed several sobriety tests, the Dallas Morning News had reported.McGarry admitted to 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 me heart," she posted.Deanna Boyd, 817-390-7655Twitter: @deannaboyd