A Howard County police corporal was acquitted early yesterday of all charges related to accusations that he assaulted his wife and threatened her at gunpoint.

A jury of six men and six women spent more than nine hours deliberating before returning not guilty verdicts on each of seven assault, obstruction of justice and handgun charges against Cpl. Michael K. Williams, a 17-year police veteran.

Later, Williams said he felt "vindicated."

"I told them I was innocent from the beginning, and the verdict proves it," he said.

His wife, Elizabeth Williams, 33, said yesterday that she is "not disappointed" with the jurors' decision and hopes her cases "will encourage other women to use the system."