Cabbie's lawyer: Kane's late-night incident 'blown out of proportion'
The attorney for the Buffalo cabdriver accusing Blackhawks star Patrick Kane and his cousin of beating and robbing him early Sunday morning said Monday the incident has been blown out of proportion.
Andrew C. LoTempio, speaking on WGN-AM radio Monday, also said he didn't believe Kane or his cousin would face felony charges from the incident with driver Jan Radecki, and that he thought the two sides would be able to work things out.
"It's pretty much been blown out of proportion," LoTempio told WGN. "It's a dispute over the cab fee and unfortunately Mr. Radecki didn't recognize Mr. Kane and just thought they were a couple of college kids.
"Some of the cabdrivers here have a policy of not unlocking the doors until they get paid because they get beat on their fees by the college kids, and that just kind of blew up."
According to a Buffalo police report, Kane, 20, and his cousin, James Kane, 21, allegedly punched Radecki and took back money they had given him after the driver told them he didn't have 20 cents to give them change.
The Kanes were charged with second-degree robbery, a Class C felony, and fourth-degree criminal mischief and theft of services, both Class A misdemeanors.
LoTempio told WGN he thought the final charges would "absolutely not" be felonies, calling it a "regular kid incident." LoTempio then said, "I think we should be able to work things out" with Kane.
Attempts by the Daily Herald to reach LoTempio by telephone and e-mail Monday morning were unsuccessful.
The Buffalo News also reported the Kanes will appear in Buffalo City Court next Monday for a felony hearing. Both men have pleaded not guilty.
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