Mark Sanchez, former NFL quarterback and current Fox Sports commentator, was released from an Indianapolis hospital on Sunday and immediately booked into jail on felony assault and misdemeanor charges related to an altercation with a 69-year-old truck driver earlier this month, police said.
According to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD), the 38-year-old was taken to the Marion County Jail and charged with felony battery and three misdemeanors. Police said they released Sanchez’s booking photo earlier than usual “due to the high level of public interest.”
Sanchez has since been released from custody, the department confirmed.
A judge granted a petition from Sanchez’s attorneys on Friday allowing him to travel outside Indiana while awaiting legal proceedings. Sanchez, who lives in California, had been in Indianapolis with the Fox Sports broadcast crew for the Las Vegas Raiders vs. Indianapolis Colts game at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 4.
Altercation at Hotel Loading Dock
Police said Sanchez approached 69-year-old truck driver Perry Tole around 12:30 a.m. at a hotel loading dock, confronting him about parking. The dispute quickly escalated into a physical altercation.
According to court documents, Sanchez allegedly climbed into Tole’s truck, preventing him from calling for help. Tole told police he used pepper spray to defend himself and feared for his life during what prosecutors described as a “violent and unprovoked attack.”
“This guy is trying to kill me,” Tole reportedly thought before pulling out a knife to protect himself, the documents said.
Sanchez suffered multiple stab wounds to his torso, while Tole sustained a deep facial laceration that penetrated through his left cheek. During the fight, Tole said he was thrown backward into a dumpster and onto pallets, unsure of how Sanchez was striking him.
Tole’s attorney, Erik May, told ABC News that his client was the victim and was simply defending himself.
Ongoing Legal and Civil Actions
In addition to the criminal case, Tole has filed a civil lawsuit against Sanchez and Fox Sports.
Sanchez’s brother released a statement last week expressing gratitude for the support the family has received:
“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.”
He added that Sanchez remains focused on his recovery as the legal process unfolds.
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