Charges dropped against former Canes defenseman Aaron Ward

Charges against former Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Aaron Ward concerning a domestic dispute at his Cary home have been dropped by the Wake County District Attorney’s office.

Ward was charged Oct. 9, 2015, in Cary with assault on a female and interfering with emergency communications, both misdemeanors. According to a magistrate’s order, Ward assaulted his wife “by pushing her.” He interfered with emergency communications by taking her phone.

First assistant district attorney Howard J. Cummings dismissed the charges Friday, writing in the dismissal, “After review of this case and discussions with the victim, it appears that further prosecution is not warranted.”

Ward, a member of the Hurricanes’ 2006 Stanley Cup champions, was serving as a hockey analyst for TSN Canada but was suspended after the charges. He retired from the NHL in August 2010.

Ward, 43, sent out a tweet on Tuesday that said: “I am deeply humbled by my experience the last few months. I want to thank everyone who has supported and prayed for my family.”

This story was originally published February 23, 2016 at 3:43 PM with the headline "Charges dropped against former Canes defenseman Aaron Ward."