A puzzling incident in downtown Indianapolis recently pulled former NFL quarterback Mark Sánchez into a serious legal battle. New surveillance video has now shed more light on the strange moments right before a reported attack on 69-year-old truck driver Perry Tole.
TMZ got hold of the video. It shows Sánchez wandering the streets near the Indiana State Capitol. He did this for almost 20 minutes before the violent scuffle began. The former New York Jets star looked lost. He stumbled and leaned against a wall. He even jogged a bit before heading back to a loading dock.
At 12:25 AM, the footage shows Sánchez stopping behind a trash bin. Then, he suddenly ran toward the truck Tole was driving. Both men vanished from sight shortly after. Just five minutes later, Sánchez reappeared. He was clutching his chest and staggering. Authorities say Tole stabbed him in self-defense during the alleged attack. Both men suffered serious wounds in the struggle.
Emergency services arrived at 12:37 AM. They quickly taped off the crime scene. Medics treated Tole for cuts to his face and head. About ten minutes later, the video shows the driver being placed into an ambulance. He wore a neck brace and was covered in blood.
The Charges and Legal Battle
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department arrested Sánchez, who is 38 years old. This happened on Saturday, October 4. He faces a felony charge of assault causing serious bodily injury. He also has three minor charges. Sánchez was in Indianapolis to work as a reporter for Fox Sports. He was there to cover the game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, October 5.
Sánchez is still in the hospital, but his injuries are not life-threatening. His lawyer has already entered a not guilty plea for him.
Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears spoke about the case on Good Morning America. He said the felony assault charge might get tougher. If it becomes aggravated assault, Sánchez could face 3 to 16 years in prison. Mears explained that his team needs to gather all possible information. “Doctors often tell us if injuries will affect someone for life, or for a long time,” Mears said. This medical insight helps shape the charges.
Victim’s Account and Lawsuit
Tole told officers that he acted to defend himself. He was treated at the hospital and then sent home. He has also filed a lawsuit against Sánchez. Tole claims the former quarterback seriously hurt him. He says Sánchez cut his face and hit his body during the fight.
Gregg Keesling, an old friend of Tole’s, spoke to FOX59 News. He said Tole has likely never been in a fight in his entire life. Keesling described Tole as a very calm man. Tole told his friend, “Faith guided my hands to protect myself.”
Court papers reveal more details about what happened just before the scuffle. Tole told police that Sánchez seemed drunk when he approached the truck. He claimed Sánchez “smelled of alcohol.” The sworn statement noted that Tole did not have his headphones on because his truck was noisy. It also stated, “When P.T. leaned closer, he said Mr. Sánchez smelled of alcohol. Sánchez was also slurring his words.”
Sánchez has been released on bail and has not made any public statements. Fox Sports has taken him off the team for this weekend’s games. They have not yet announced if he will continue in his role once the investigation is finished.