Former Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez left the hospital Sunday and went straight to jail, where he was booked on battery and other charges and then released, law enforcement sources said.
The 38-year-old sports analyst was arrested while hospitalized with stab wounds after being seen on surveillance video drunkenly accosting a truck driver in an alley on October 4. The driver, Perry Tole, 69, fought back after the pepper spray didn’t work, he told police, explaining that he thought Sanchez was “trying to kill me.”
Tole, who works for a company that collects used oil from restaurants for recycling and disposal, had backed into a loading dock in an alley between the Westin Hotel and the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown to do his job. Sanchez began harassing him so he could park there, then repeatedly tried to enter the cab of the truck, blocking it and running it over, Tole told authorities. Sanchez reeked of alcohol, he said.
Sanchez, in town to call the game between the Indianapolis Colts and Las Vegas Raiders, was caught on surveillance video wandering and stumbling for 20 minutes before the attack.
Sánchez was initially charged with battery resulting in injury, public intoxication and unlawful entry into a motor vehicle, all misdemeanors. A charge of assault involving grievous bodily harm was added last Monday as new facts came to light and police deemed Tole’s injuries “significant and very serious.” This carries a potential prison sentence of six years.
Tole sued Sanchez and Fox Sports on Monday, the ex-athlete for battery and Fox for negligent hiring, retention and supervision. His lawyers said he suffered permanent disfigurement from a deep gash to his cheek. Although Tole is out of the hospital, he is not well enough to attend his son’s wedding, they told WVIT-TV.
With news feed services
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