Steve Wilkos Reportedly Admits He Drove Drunk In Darien

DARIEN, CT — Talk show host Steve Wilkos, who was injured in a one-vehicle crash in Darien on Jan. 21, has been arrested on charges of operating under the influence and failure to drive right in connection with the incident, according to Darien Police.

After learning that there was a warrant for his arrest for the crash, Wilkos, 53, turned himself in at Darien Police Headquarters at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday evening, Feb. 21. Darien police said his bail was set by a judge at $1,500, which the Darien resident posted. He was released and is due in Stamford Superior Court on March 5.

In a statement to TMZ Wednesday night, Wilkos admitted that he drove drunk after "a complete lapse in judgment" brought on by a bout of depression. He added that he has since sought professional help to address his situation.

In the immediate aftermath of the January mishap, in which Wilkos' vehicle slammed into a curb and trees and flipped over on its side, he initially told TMZ that he normally wears glasses while driving, but did not have them on at the time. As he reached for the glasses, he said he lost control of the vehicle and crashed.

Darien police issued the following statement Wednesday night describing the crash:

"On January 21st, 2018 at approximately 4:20 PM, an officer on patrol discovered a one-car motor vehicle accident on West Avenue in the area of Turnabout Lane," wrote Darien police in a statement describing the crash. "The lone occupant of the vehicle was identified as Steven Wilkos. Due to Wilkos’ injuries and the severity of the accident, he was transported to Stamford Hospital for further evaluation and treatment.

"As part of the investigation, officers secured a search warrant for Wilkos’ medical records which indicated that his Blood Alcohol Content was .29% and over the legal limit the afternoon he crashed his vehicle. A warrant for Wilkos’ arrest was then applied for and granted by the Honorable Judge Blawie of the Stamford Superior Court."

Wilkos was talk show host Jerry Springer's bodyguard before landing his own talk show that is filmed in Stamford.

Photo: Steve Wilkos. Photo credit: Darien Police Department