Theo Hayes, a former anchor for WBAL-TV 11 News, has been fired from the station after being arrested for drunk driving, according to Newstars. Hayes, who joined WBAL-TV in October 2017, was involved in a car accident on July 16, 2023, and was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, according to the Baltimore Sun.
The Accident and the Arrest
According to the police report, Hayes was driving a 2022 Toyota Camry on Interstate 83 near Cold Spring Lane when she rear-ended a 2021 Honda Civic, causing minor damage to both vehicles. No one was injured in the crash, but the police officer who responded to the scene noticed that Hayes had bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and a strong odor of alcohol on her breath. Hayes failed a field sobriety test and refused to take a breathalyzer test, according to the report. She was then arrested and taken to the Central Booking and Intake Facility, where she was released on her own recognizance.
The Reaction and the Consequences
Hayes did not appear on WBAL-TV 11 News after the incident, and the station did not comment on her status until July 20, 2023, when it announced that she was no longer employed by the station. “We are aware of the situation involving Theo Hayes and we have parted ways with her,” WBAL-TV President and General Manager Dan Joerres said in a statement. “We wish her the best in her future endeavors.”
Hayes also issued a statement on her Facebook page, apologizing for her actions and expressing gratitude for her time at WBAL-TV. “I am deeply sorry for the disappointment and embarrassment I have caused to my family, friends, colleagues, and viewers,” she wrote. “I made a terrible mistake and I take full responsibility for it. I am grateful for the opportunity I had to work at WBAL-TV and I appreciate all the support I received from the station and the community. I hope to learn from this experience and move forward with my life.”
Hayes faces a maximum penalty of one year in jail and a $1,000 fine if convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol, according to Maryland law. She is scheduled to appear in court on August 18, 2023, according to online court records.
The Background and the Future
Hayes, who grew up in Schaumburg, Illinois, started her career as a reporter and anchor for WMBD-TV in Peoria, Illinois, in 2008. She then worked for WYFF-TV in Greenville, South Carolina, from 2010 to 2014, and for WESH-TV in Orlando, Florida, from 2014 to 2017, before joining WBAL-TV in Baltimore, Maryland, in 2017. She co-anchored the weekend morning news with Jennifer Franciotti and reported on weekdays for the station. She also hosted a segment called “Theo’s Table,” where she showcased local restaurants and cuisines.
Hayes has not revealed her plans for the future, but some of her fans have expressed their support and hope for her comeback on social media. “Theo, you are a great journalist and a wonderful person. I hope you can overcome this challenge and return to the airwaves soon. You have a lot of talent and potential and I wish you all the best,” one user commented on her Facebook post. “Theo, you made a mistake, but you are not a bad person. You have a bright future ahead of you and I hope you can find a new opportunity that suits you. You are one of my favorite anchors and I miss seeing you on TV. Please don’t give up on yourself,” another user wrote.
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