INDIANAPOLIS () Mark Sanchez, a former NFL quarterback now working as a Fox Sports analyst, faces a civil lawsuit following a criminal charge of battery causing serious bodily injury, filed on Monday.
The lawsuit, presented in Marion County, seeks unspecified monetary compensation related to a late-night incident involving a 69-year-old box truck driver in downtown Indianapolis. During the encounter, Sanchez was stabbed multiple times, while the driver suffered “significant injuries to his head, jaw, and neck.”
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According to a probable cause affidavit acquired by local news outlet WXIN, the victim, identified as Perry Tole, stated that Sanchez, who smelled of alcohol, approached his truck and repeatedly attempted to enter the cab, pushing him aside when he tried retrieving his cellphone from inside.
Tole told authorities he then pulled out pepper spray and a knife in self-defense.
The use of pepper spray seemed to affect Sanchez temporarily, but he managed to wipe it off and continued his approach, as outlined in the police records.
Some of the following images are graphic. Viewer discretion is advised.
Court documents note that Tole stabbed Sanchez numerous times and “found himself propelled backward into a dumpster.” After delivering a final stab, Sanchez allegedly gave Tole a “look of shock,” before turning away and departing from the alley.
While hospitalized, Sanchez mentioned to police that his only recollection was “reaching for a window” and he had no knowledge of who stabbed him or the events that led to it. As of Monday morning, Sanchez remains in the hospital, reported by WXIN’s Angela Ganote.
Pole’s civil lawsuit names the Fox Corporation as a plaintiff, claiming that because Sanchez traveled to the state of Indiana as a Fox Corporation employee for the Indianapolis Colts vs. Las Vegas Raiders game on Oct. 5.
Sanchez’s family issued a statement Monday night, writing, “This has been a deeply distressing time for everyone involved. Mark and our family are incredibly grateful for the concern, love, and support we’ve received over the past few days.
“Mark remains under medical care for the serious injuries he sustained and is focused on his recovery as the legal process continues. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the first responders and medical staff.”
‘s Anna Kutz contributed to this report.
