Fort Wayne Mayor Says He Will Pay Accident Costs

FORT WAYNE, Indiana (WANE) — Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry said he will pay for “all damages” related to the accident he was involved in earlier this month, allegedly while driving while drunk.

The city issued this statement from Mayor Henry on Monday afternoon:

On October 9th, I publicly apologized to the citizens of Fort Wayne for being disabled on October 8th. I am responsible for my actions, have admitted my guilt in an Allen County court, and accept the consequences of my actions. On October 14, City Council members submitted specific questions about the October 8 incident, my driving history, and other personal matters. The questions were sent to the city’s prosecutor’s office, and copies were sent to others, including local media. I am fully cooperating with the prosecutor and her staff to craft a response. However, before I submit a formal response, I want to be clear that no taxpayer money will be spent to repair the vehicle I was driving on October 8th. Nor is taxpayer money spent on repairing the other driver’s vehicle. I will pay for all damages related to the incident. I have contacted the other driver and am working to have the vehicle repaired promptly at my expense. As for transportation during my driver’s license suspension, I am grateful to my family and friends who take me to work every day in their private vehicles. Where appropriate, City employees will share travel to events or meetings attended by two or more people. In my current situation, this may happen from time to time while my license is suspended.

Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry

Henry was arrested early on October 9 after an accident along Old Mill Road in which police said the 70-year-old was driving left of center and struck another car. A chemical test found Henry’s BAC to be 0.152%, according to a probable cause affidavit, and he was arrested on two misdemeanor charges of operating while intoxicated.

Henry pleaded guilty in court on October 9 to a single count of drunkenness.

Last week, Fort Wayne City Council President Jason Arp sent a letter to City Attorney Malak Heiny “regarding policy, procedure and financial accountability” in response to the arrest. In that letter, Arp asked if the Chevy Impala was leased from the city for the mayor’s use and who would pay for the repairs and damage payments to the other driver.