Hawks' Kane indicted, but felony charges dropped
Blackhawks all-star Patrick Kane was indicted Wednesday in Buffalo, N.Y., for the Aug. 9 attack on a taxi driver, but the felony charges against him were reduced.
Kane was indicted on misdemeanor assault and theft charges, according to Erie County district attorney Frank Sedita. The grand jury dismissed a more serious felony charge of second-degree robbery.
Kane, participating in the U.S. Olympic orientation camp at Seven Bridges Ice Arena in Woodridge, was unaware of the developments when he spoke briefly to reporters following practice.
"If the felony was dropped, that's obviously a positive step," Kane said. "The sooner it gets over, I think everyone will be happy about it."
Kane said it "wasn't a big deal" to him to get his side of the story out.
"I'm just excited to go home at this point," he said.
Kane and his cousin, James Kane, will be arraigned Thursday to answer the charges filed against them for the Aug. 9 attack on 62-year-old cabdriver Jan Radecki. The taxi driver told police the Kanes pummeled him when he said he didn't have proper change for the fare.
Patrick and James Kane were indicted on the same charges: third-degree assault and theft of services, both misdemeanors, as well as harassment, a violation.
"As is the practice in all criminal cases, the assigned prosecutor and defense counsel will discuss a possible resolution of the case short of trial," Sedita said in a statement.
Any plea deal, Sedita said, would be based in part on the victim's wishes and the severity of his injuries.
The three-day U.S. Olympic camp that ended Wednesday provided Kane with relief from his legal troubles back in his hometown.
"It's been quiet for a little bit here," Kane said. "It was fun to get back on the ice and fun to worry about just hockey and fun to be part of a great camp here.
"This was an awesome time for me. It was fun skating with some of these guys and I felt as the camp went along I got better as a player, so I'm pretty happy with the week."
Kane was subdued and contrite for most of the camp, which began on Monday with him making his first public apology for his actions.
The cheers he received from Hawks fans lifted Kane's spirit.
"The fans have been great," Kane said. "You see all the support you have in Chicago no matter what. You see little kids walking around with Kane jerseys, and I've been trying to sign a lot for them and do the right thing.
"You realize it's a privilege to do those things and sometimes you have to learn that."
Kane was one of 34 players invited to the camp and would seem a lock to make the American team that will compete in the Olympics in Vancouver next February.
Team USA general manager Brian Burke said Kane's off-ice issue would not be a factor in the evaluation process, and Wednesday said he saw what he wanted from the Hawks' star for three days.
"I thought he handled this well," Burke said.
Associated Press contributed.