A grand jury indicted Blackhawks star Patrick Kane and his cousin on misdemeanor assault and theft charges for allegedly beating up a cab driver over a fare, officials announced today.
The grand jury dismissed the more serious felony second-degree robbery charges, according to a press release issued by the Erie County District Attorney's office.
Kane and his cousin were arrested Aug. 9 after 62-year-old cabbie Jan Radecki told police they attacked him when he said he didn't have 20 cents change for the fare. The Kanes pleaded not guilty to robbery and misdemeanor counts of theft and criminal mischief.
The grand jury today found that there was enough evidence to indict the men on assault in the third degree, theft of services which are both misdemeanors. In addition the men were indicted on harassment charges, a municipal violation, officials said.
Patrick Kane speaking at the U.S. Olympic orientation camp in Woodridge today said he hadn't heard the new developments.
"That's news to me to be honest with you. I haven't heard yet. I'll talk to my lawyer after this. If the felony is dropped that's obviously a positive step. The sooner it gets over I think the more everyone will be happy about it. I'm just excited to go home at this point."
If convicted of the misdemeanors Kane and his cousin James Kane face up to a year in jail, officials said.
The Kanes must appear for their arraignment, which is scheduled for Thursday at 2 p.m. before Chief Buffalo City Court Judge Thomas Amodeo.
Erie County District Attorney Frank Sedita III said he would treat the Chicago forward like any other defendant.
Asked if a plea bargain is possible, Patrick Kane's lawyer, Paul Cambria, says there have been numerous discussions but no deal is in place.
The cab driver had bruises and broken glasses.
The grand jury dismissed the more serious felony second-degree robbery charges, according to a press release issued by the Erie County District Attorney's office.
Kane and his cousin were arrested Aug. 9 after 62-year-old cabbie Jan Radecki told police they attacked him when he said he didn't have 20 cents change for the fare. The Kanes pleaded not guilty to robbery and misdemeanor counts of theft and criminal mischief.
The grand jury today found that there was enough evidence to indict the men on assault in the third degree, theft of services which are both misdemeanors. In addition the men were indicted on harassment charges, a municipal violation, officials said.
Patrick Kane speaking at the U.S. Olympic orientation camp in Woodridge today said he hadn't heard the new developments.
"That's news to me to be honest with you. I haven't heard yet. I'll talk to my lawyer after this. If the felony is dropped that's obviously a positive step. The sooner it gets over I think the more everyone will be happy about it. I'm just excited to go home at this point."
If convicted of the misdemeanors Kane and his cousin James Kane face up to a year in jail, officials said.
The Kanes must appear for their arraignment, which is scheduled for Thursday at 2 p.m. before Chief Buffalo City Court Judge Thomas Amodeo.
Erie County District Attorney Frank Sedita III said he would treat the Chicago forward like any other defendant.
Asked if a plea bargain is possible, Patrick Kane's lawyer, Paul Cambria, says there have been numerous discussions but no deal is in place.
The cab driver had bruises and broken glasses.
