Leon Harris, an anchor at News4, was arrested and charged with DUI Saturday following a car crash in Montgomery County, Maryland.
Harris was driving along Bradley Boulevard near River Road when his vehicle rear-ended another car, a Montgomery County police report said. The vehicle that police said Harris' car struck then collided with a third car.
No one was seriously injured, police said.
When officers arrived, Harris tried to leave the scene but was stopped by police, according to the police report.
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Harris failed a field sobriety test, police said. The arrest report said officers conducted a breathalyzer test and that Harris' result was twice the legal limit of .08% BAC.
"I have decided to take some time away to deal with an issue that took me a long time to accept. I am thankful to everyone for their support and understanding. I’m sorry to those I have hurt or let down. I hope to return as a healthier person," Harris said in a statement provided to NBC4 on Feb. 7.
Harris faces a total of nine charges including driving vehicle while under the influence of alcohol (DWI); driving vehicle while impaired by alcohol (DUI); attempt by driver to elude police in official police vehicle by failing to stop; and failure to control vehicle speed on highway to avoid collision.
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Court records show Harris pleaded guilty in 2013 to driving vehicle while impaired by alcohol. He was pulled over by a Maryland State Police trooper along I-270 at Route 28. Harris was given probation before judgement in that incident, according to court records.
Harris will not appear on-air as the investigation continues.
