Berliner Tageblatt - Antonio Sabato Jr. Calls for Compassion After Son's Fatal Hit-and-Run Arrest

Actor Antonio Sabato Jr. has issued his first public statement regarding the arrest of his son, Jack Sabato, in connection with a fatal hit-and-run incident in Anchorage, Alaska.

In an exclusive statement to Page Six, the 54-year-old actor addressed the tragedy that has unfolded following the death of Carl Simmonds, 42. "There are moments in life for which no words can adequately express the weight of what has happened," Sabato Jr. wrote. "This is one of them."

Sabato Jr. directed his initial sympathy toward the family of the deceased pedestrian. "First and foremost, my heart goes out to the family and loved ones of Carl Simmonds," he said. "A life has been tragically lost, and no family’s grief should ever be overshadowed by public attention or speculation."

The actor also emphasized his role as a father amidst the legal proceedings. "As a father, I love my son unconditionally," Sabato Jr. stated. "That love does not diminish the gravity of this tragedy, nor does it lessen my compassion for a family facing an unimaginable loss."

Jack Sabato, 32, was arrested on November 9 in Anchorage. He is the son of Antonio Sabato Jr. and actress Virginia Madsen, 65. According to charging documents, Jack faces a felony charge of leaving the scene of an accident without assisting an injured person, as well as a misdemeanor charge for leaving the scene of an accident involving injury or death.

Investigators allege that surveillance footage captured a white Chevrolet Tahoe striking Simmonds near Airport Heights Drive and DeBarr Road before driving away. Police later located a Tahoe registered to Jack Sabato and found fresh damage consistent with a pedestrian collision.

During his initial interaction with law enforcement, Jack reportedly told police he had been making DoorDash deliveries at the time of the incident. He stated that he believed he had hit an animal, which is why he did not stop at the scene.

Jack was arraigned on November 10, where bail was set at $5,000. As part of the court order, he has been prohibited from driving and remained in custody as of Wednesday.

In his statement, Antonio Sabato Jr. called for restraint and adherence to legal protocols. "I believe in the importance of truth, accountability, and due process," he said. "As the legal proceedings move forward, I ask that the facts be established through the appropriate channels rather than through speculation or public judgment."

The actor concluded by requesting privacy for all parties involved. "At this extraordinarily difficult time, my thoughts and prayers remain with everyone whose life has been forever affected," he wrote. "I respectfully ask for compassion and privacy for all families involved."

The legal troubles arise during a period of professional activity for Antonio Sabato Jr., who has recently expanded his career into live entertainment as a professional DJ and returned to racing. He also recently starred in the horror thriller "4:26" and is set to appear in an upcoming live adaptation of "Snow White" currently in post-production.

O.Bulka--BTB