Ontario County sheriff says ‘all options remain available’ in Tony Stewart case

Aug 9, 2014; Watkins Glen, NY, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Sprint Cup Series driver Sprint Cup Series driver Tony Stewart (14) during practice for the Cheez-It 355 at Watkins Glen International. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 9, 2014; Watkins Glen, NY, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Sprint Cup Series driver Sprint Cup Series driver Tony Stewart (14) during practice for the Cheez-It 355 at Watkins Glen International. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tony Stewart isn’t entirely in the clear yet when it comes to the possibility of facing criminal charges in the death of Kevin Ward. Speaking on CNN Monday morning, Ontario County sheriff Philip C. Povero said “all options remain available” in Stewart’s case, implying that criminal charges could still be sought.

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Povero said via Fox Sports:

"This is an ongoing investigation, and all options remain available. We’re continuing to gather and analyze every piece of evidence we can."

Video of the incident shows Ward stalking across the track to confront Stewart after being spun out by Stewart’s sprint car, and being hit by Stewart’s vehicle and dragged several feet.

Stewart’s camp has expressed remorse at what they are characterizing as an unfortunate accident, but many aren’t buying the explanation of a tragic mishap given Stewart’s long history of confrontational, intemperate and sometimes violent behavior on the race track.

At least one of Kevin Ward’s relatives has verbally attacked Stewart over social media, clearly implying that Stewart at least acted negligently if not with homicidal intent.

Previous statements indicated that Stewart was in the clear legally but the possibility of Stewart bring arrested and charged has been reopened with these new remarks by the sheriff.

Stewart came under fire on Sunday for saying he intended to race at the NASCAR event at Watkins Glen just hours after taking Ward’s life, ultimately backing out of the race.

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