Mark Sanchez: Felony Charge, Lawsuit After Assault; Victim’s Employer Speaks Out

For Perry Tole, it was just another early morning shift. The 69-year-old was out in downtown Indianapolis, doing his job. He works for Restaurant Technologies, a company that delivers fresh cooking oil and takes away the used stuff. They do it without people needing to touch the oil. But this particular night took a wild turn.

In the wee hours of Saturday, October 4, Tole was going about his business. He was delivering oil when he reportedly ran into former NFL quarterback Mark Sanchez. Sanchez, 38, allegedly confronted Tole. He claimed Tole’s truck couldn’t be parked in a certain alley. Sanchez was supposedly doing “wind sprints” there. Things quickly got ugly, leading to an alleged attack on Tole. Sanchez reportedly tried to get into Tole’s truck without permission.

Photos shared by Tole’s family on Sunday, October 5, showed his serious injuries. He had a big wound on his left cheek. Tole fought back during the incident. He allegedly stabbed Sanchez multiple times to defend himself. This sent Sanchez to the hospital too. Tole has since been released from Indianapolis Methodist Hospital and is now recovering at home.

Restaurant Technologies spoke out about the event on Wednesday, October 8. Their spokesperson, Dave Cheng, explained why employees like Tole work late or early hours. “This fits the different shifts in the food service business,” Cheng said. “It lets our employees find a shift that works best for them.” He added that late-night deliveries are the most efficient way to serve customers. This also helps keep drivers happy with flexible schedules. The company also reached out to Tole’s family, offering support. They plan to figure out what else Tole might need in the coming days and weeks. The company also thanked the first responders who helped Tole and got him medical care.

Meanwhile, Sanchez faces serious legal trouble. He was in Indianapolis to commentate on the Indianapolis Colts versus Las Vegas Raiders game that Sunday. He was first charged with three minor crimes. These included battery with injury, public intoxication, and trying to get into a vehicle without permission. But on Monday, October 6, Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears announced a bigger charge. Sanchez now faces a Level 5 felony. This type of charge can mean one to five years in prison.

The legal battle doesn’t stop there. Tole filed a lawsuit against Sanchez and Fox Corporation on Monday, October 6. He claims Sanchez’s actions caused him “serious bodily injury” due to “malicious, willful, reckless or grossly negligent conduct.” The lawsuit lists Tole’s injuries as “permanent disfigurement, loss of function, other physical injuries, emotional distress and other damages.” The lawsuit also argues that Fox should make sure its employees act “reasonably.” It says Fox should have known about Sanchez’s alleged “unsuitability” and his “tendency to drink and/or engage in harmful behavior.” Tole is asking for money to cover his damages, as well as punitive damages, legal costs, and attorney fees. He also seeks any other relief the court thinks is fair.