Rockies first baseman Todd Helton apologized Wednesday after his arrest for driving under the influence and careless driving in Thornton, making no excuses for his actions and asking for forgiveness.

Reached Wednesday, a distraught Helton, 39, repeatedly said he was sorry but chose not to talk on the record and expand on a statement released by the Rockies.

“Last evening, I exercised poor judgment and was charged with drinking and driving after driving to a gas station near my house. I am very sorry and embarrassed by my actions. I hold myself to a high standard and take my responsibility as a public figure very seriously,” Helton’s statement read. “My entire career I have worked to set a positive example for my family and in our community and I fell far short of this standard. I sincerely ask my family, the Colorado Rockies organization, Major League Baseball and the community to accept my apology. I make no excuses and accept full responsibility for my actions. I humbly ask your forgiveness.”

Matt Barnes, a spokesman for the Thornton Police Department, said police received a call at 2:08 a.m. from a witness reporting a pickup truck being driven erratically going southbound on Colorado Boulevard. When police located the black vehicle, it was already pulled into a gas station at 12780 Colorado Blvd. Police arrested Helton at 2:39 a.m., issued a summons and released him to a “responsible party.”

Barnes would not comment on how Helton’s blood alcohol level was tested, but he said that “he cooperated fully.” Barnes also said Thornton’s Police Department policy is not to release any alcohol-test results before trial. He said when the investigation is complete and turned over to the district attorney, it is up to that agency whether it’s released or not.

Helton, who has spent his career with the Rockies, considered retiring after hip surgery in August, but he decided last month to return for the final season of his contract, which will pay him $5 million. The Rockies released a statement after learning of his arrest.

“We were extremely disappointed to learn that Todd was arrested this morning. This type of behavior is taken very seriously by our organization,” the team said. “We know that he clearly understands the seriousness of his poor decision, the harm that could have been inflicted on others and the embarrassment his mistake has caused to himself, his family, the Colorado Rockies organization and to Major League Baseball. Todd is taking full accountability for his actions with his family, his fans and the organization. The man we have grown to know has strong values that are grounded in his family and hard work. Todd clearly understands the severity of the situation.”

MLB’s drug agreement with the players union does not specifically address alcohol use. The league has permitted clubs to deal with the issue on a case-by-case basis. The Rockies are not planning any disciplinary measures for Helton. Former Rockies pitcher Alex White, who was traded to Houston in December, was arrested for a DUI in March and was not suspended.

Helton is expected to address the media, and talk to his teammates as a group, at spring training. The first full-squad workout is Feb. 17.

Wednesday’s news surprised several Rockies, but none who were reached believed it would be a distraction when pitchers and catchers report Monday in Scottsdale, Ariz.

For Helton, the DUI arrest is a jarring hit to a previously spotless reputation. He has been the face of the Rockies for more than a decade, endearing himself to fans with his hard work and work in the community, where he has raised his family and lives year round.

By any measure, Helton is the franchise’s most accomplished player. A career .320 hitter, Helton owns 2,420 hits, 354 home runs and 1,345 RBIs. Helton debuted in 1997 and took over as the full-time first baseman in 1998 after Andres Galarraga’s departure to Atlanta as a free agent. Helton is a five-time all-star and three-time Gold Glove winner.

He has been slowed in recent years by injuries. Marred by back and hip problems, Helton suffered through his worst season last year, batting .238 with seven home runs and 37 RBIs, after which he contemplated retiring. After workouts last fall, he was encouraged enough to commit to one more season.

Troy E. Renck: 303-954-1294, trenck@denverpost.com or twitter.com/troyrenck

Staff writer Patrick Saunders and Yesenia Robles contributed to this report.