Mark Sanchez could face significant prison time if he's convicted following an incident that saw him taken to hospital with stab wounds.
Former NFL star and current Fox Sports analysis Mark Sanchez was involved in an incident in Indianapolis near Senate Avenue and West Washington Street at 12.30am, on Saturday, October 4.
Initially, news broke that Sanchez had been taken to the hospital with stab injuries, but authorities provided further updates about the details of the altercation.
Over the weekend, police announced that Sanchez was arrested from his hospital bed, and that they were continuing to investigate the incident, including reviewing video footage of the area.
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They also revealed the charges he faced, which included ‘battery with injury, unlawful entry of a motor vehicle and public intoxication’.
On Monday, the Indianapolis Police department revealed that Sanchez could actually face prison time, as he now faces a felony charge for his alleged role in the attack.
This has meant he could face one to six years in prison.
NFL Network reporter Tom Pelissero reported: "Authorities in Indianapolis have announced at a press conference that former NFL quarterback and Fox analyst Mark Sanchez now also faces a Level 5 felony battery charge, which carries a 1- to 6- year sentence.”
During the press conference on Monday, Marion county prosecutor Ryan Mears highlighted that the 69-year-old male victim's injuries are significant.
He said: “We are literally talking about people fighting over a parking space and-or a dispute about where people are parking, and it resulted in someone receiving just incredibly significant injures.”
According to reports, the victim’s name is Perry Tole, and he is now taking legal action against Sanchez for the attack.
The lawsuit alleges that Tole suffered ‘severe permanent disfigurement, loss of function, and emotional distress' as a result of the incident.
Sanchez’s family have not said much about the lawsuit, and a statement from his family simply said: “He’s OK. We are talking to lawyers first. We want to be careful what’s said. We appreciate that.”
Sanchez’s brother Nick has released a lengthier statement that reads: “This has been a deeply distressing time for everyone involved. Mark and our family are incredibly grateful for the concern, love, and support we’ve received over the past few days.
“Mark remains under medical care for the serious injuries he sustained and is focused on his recovery as the legal process continues. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the first responders and medical staff.”