Chicago Blackhawks star Patrick Kane is reportedly under investigation by police in Buffalo following an alleged incident "involving a woman that began at a bar" and updates on the report have the Buffalo News writing that the "Kane investigation is a rape investigation," while the NHL has said they are "following along" with the developments.
Kane has had issues in the past around his home town of Buffalo, including an incident with a cab driver and this clearly is another serious issue. According to the Buffalo News, the original report has sources reporting that Hamburg police are investigating Kane and that "officials have forbidden" police from talking publically about the situation. The chief said he could not "confirm or deny" that there is an investigation. Hamburg is where Kane lives in the offseason and the area is right near Buffalo.
Following the intimal report, WKBW-TV in Buffalo reported that police are looking into an incident involving Kane and a "woman at a bar in Evans." Later on in the day Tim Graham at the Buffalo news reported that the investigation into Kane is a "rape investigation." Deadspin.com reports that the incident likely took place over the weekend, as the Buffalo News was "denied the paper access to the police blotter" from the weekend.
The 26 year old is one of the best players for the Blackhawks and one of the top stars in the NHL. The league released a statement to the Buffalo station and said they are aware of the situation. Kane had 27 goals and 37 assists last season as the Blackhawks won another Stanley Cup title. 7 Eyewitness News reports that police have not confirmed the investigation, but that sources report that it could involve an "alleged rape incident". Charges reportedly have not been filed over the incident yet. The chief said that nothing could be confirmed or denied until "a person is charged with a crime."
Kane previously has had some other incidents off the ice, including back in 2009 when Kane was arrested after allegedly punching a cab driver. Kane later pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges for that incident and now he is involved in another off the ice problem. More updates are to come and this post will be updated with any pertinent information regarding the investigation and details about Kane.
Check here for more updates on Kane and for more on the Buffalo News report.
"We can neither confirm nor deny the existence or nonexistence of a criminal investigation until such a time as a person is charged with a crime," said Hamburg Police Chief Gregory G. Wickett.
