INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA — The 69-year-old truck driver who was seriously injured during a violent altercation with former NFL quarterback Mark Sanchez has filed a civil lawsuit, with his attorneys claiming he stabbed the sports commentator in self-defense after an "unprovoked" attack.
The driver, Perry Tole, was released from the hospital and is recovering from a severe facial wound. Sanchez, 38, who was stabbed multiple times, now faces a felony battery charge in addition to several misdemeanors for the incident, which occurred early Saturday morning at a downtown Indianapolis hotel.
The Altercation
The incident unfolded around 12:35 a.m. on Saturday, October 4, at the loading dock of the Westin Hotel. According to court documents and Tole's attorneys, Tole was performing his work when he was approached by an allegedly intoxicated Sanchez, who told him he couldn't park there.
The situation escalated when Sanchez allegedly climbed into Tole’s truck without his consent. Tole claims that when he tried to retrieve his phone to call for help, Sanchez shoved him. Feeling he was in "physical danger," Tole pepper-sprayed Sanchez.
When Sanchez allegedly advanced on him again, Tole told police he thought, "this guy is trying to kill me," so he pulled out a knife. Court documents state that Tole stabbed Sanchez several times as Sanchez "came at him," during which Tole was thrown backward into a dumpster.
Severe Injuries and Legal Action
Both men were seriously injured in the fight. Tole suffered a deep laceration that penetrated through his left cheek, impacting his jaw and tongue and affecting his speech. His attorneys noted the injury will prevent him from attending his son's wedding next week. Sanchez sustained several stab wounds to the chest and remains under medical care.
Following the incident, the Marion County Prosecutor's Office charged Sanchez with felony battery involving serious bodily injury, as well as misdemeanor counts of battery, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, and public intoxication. The felony charge carries a potential prison sentence of one to six years.
On Monday, Tole filed a civil lawsuit against both Sanchez and his employer, Fox Corporation, seeking damages and alleging that Fox was negligent in its hiring and supervision of Sanchez.
In a statement, Sanchez's brother said, "This has been a deeply distressing time for everyone involved," and that Sanchez is focused on his recovery. Tole's attorneys confirmed he is now recovering at home with his family. Sanchez is next due in court on November 4.
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