Former NFL quarterback and Fox Sports analyst Mark Sanchez was released from the hospital and arrested in Indianapolis following a stabbing incident early Saturday, according to reports.
The altercation, involving a dispute with a 69-year-old food delivery truck driver, led to Sanchez’s arrest on misdemeanor charges of battery with injury, unlawful entry of a motor vehicle, and public intoxication, per Indianapolis police.
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| The Victim |
Police allege Sanchez threatened, followed, and attacked the driver, who responded with pepper spray before stabbing him in self-defense.
Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears stated, "This incident should not have escalated to violence or serious injury. What started as a dispute between a former professional athlete and a 69-year-old man will now be addressed through the legal process, guided by the facts and the law."
The Marion County Prosecutor's Office announced Sunday that Sanchez, 38, is charged with battery causing injury, public intoxication, and unlawful entry of a motor vehicle. An initial court hearing is set for Tuesday.
Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears stated, "This incident should not have escalated to violence or serious injury. What started as a dispute between a former professional athlete and a 69-year-old man will now be addressed through the legal process, guided by the facts and the law."
According to a probable cause affidavit obtained by CBS News, the incident began as a parking dispute near Loughmiller's Pub & Eatery in downtown Indianapolis around 12:30 a.m. Saturday. The altercation turned violent, resulting in Sanchez being stabbed in the upper torso.
He was taken to Eskenazi Hospital in critical condition but was later reported stable. The 69-year-old man, a truck driver, claimed self-defense, stating he pepper-sprayed Sanchez after feeling threatened. When Sanchez allegedly continued advancing, the man stabbed him "two or three times," believing his life was in danger.
The driver also reported being thrown against a dumpster during the confrontation.
Court documents indicate the man acted in self-defense. Sanchez told police at the hospital he could not recall who stabbed him, according to detective Christopher Edwards' affidavit.
Fox Sports gave a brief statement Sunday, Oct. 5, in the wake of the arrest of Fox NFL analyst Mark Sanchez, who faces three misdemeanor counts in the wake of an altercation early Saturday.
"Friday night in Indianapolis, one of our team members, Mark Sanchez, was involved in an incident that we're still trying to wrap our heads around," Charissa Thompson said during pregame NFL coverage. "At this time, our thoughts and prayers are with Mark, his family, and all of those involved."