NASCAR has suspended driver Cody Ware indefinitely after he was arrested in North Carolina on Monday on a felony assault charge.
Ware, 27, was taken into custody by the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office at around 10:30 a.m. Monday and charged with felony “assault by strangulation-inflict serious injury” and misdemeanor assault on a female, according to The Associated Press.
The alleged incident happened one week ago, police said, at a residence in Mooresville, North Carolina.
Ware was released later on Monday on a $3,000 bond.
The police report obtained by the AP indicated the incident took place on April 3 just before midnight. The report said that no weapons were involved, and because it is a domestic violence situation, no further details of the incident have been made available.
Rick Ware Racing, which is owned by Ware’s father, made an announcement Saturday about Ware’s absence from events at Bristol Motor Speedway, citing a “personal matter.”
“Cody Ware will step away from racing this weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway to focus on a personal matter,” the statement read. “Matt Crafton will drive the No. 51 Ford Mustang for Rick Ware Racing.”
On Monday, the racing team issued another statement stating that Ware is “fully cooperating with the authorities.”
“We are aware of the incident regarding Cody Ware and his indefinite suspension from NASCAR competition. We understand NASCAR’s position on this matter and accept their decision,” the statement read.
“The matter is still under investigation and Cody is fully cooperating with the authorities, as due process takes its course. RWR is committed to continuing our multi-car efforts in the NASCAR Cup Series and is in the process of finalizing our plans for the No. 51 entry at Martinsville Speedway, and beyond.”
Ware currently is 31st in the Cup standings.
