Former NFL quarterback Mark Sanchez is now facing a Level 5 felony battery charge, which carries a penalty of between one and six years in prison, according to Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears.
Authorities in Indianapolis are set to hold a press conference to provide more details about the late-night stabbing incident involving the 38-year-old ex-football star.
Sanchez, who currently works as a FOX Sports commentator, was initially charged with three misdemeanors — battery resulting in injury, public intoxication, and unlawful entry of a motor vehicle — following an early morning altercation with a 69-year-old delivery driver in downtown Indianapolis on Saturday.
According to police reports, the incident unfolded when the delivery driver was unloading fryer oil at a hotel loading dock. Sanchez allegedly confronted him over his parking spot, leading to a heated exchange. The driver told officers that he attempted to use pepper spray to defend himself, but when it failed, he feared for his life and stabbed Sanchez multiple times.
The driver sustained a serious cut to his face, while Sanchez also suffered injuries. Both men were taken to the hospital for treatment. After reviewing surveillance footage of the altercation, police determined that Sanchez was the aggressor and arrested him later that day.
The delivery driver’s family told the New York Post that he is recovering. “He’s OK,” a family member said. “We are talking to lawyers first. We want to be careful what’s said. We appreciate that.”
Sanchez, who was in Indianapolis to commentate on the Colts vs. Raiders game at Lucas Oil Stadium, has not yet made a public statement and reportedly told police he does not recall much from the night of the incident.
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office are expected to provide further updates during a scheduled press briefing later today.
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