More details have emerged surrounding the stabbing and arrest of Fox Sports analyst Mark Sanchez. Fox 59’s Angela Ganote obtained the probable cause affidavit from Indianapolis police on Sunday, shedding light on the bizarre incident involving the former NFL quarterback and a truck driver.
According to the affidavit, Sanchez allegedly confronted the truck driver while he was working. Graphic photos of the alleged victim, a 69-year-old man, show a large gash in his cheek. The victim’s family reportedly stated that the cut went through his cheek and even hit his tongue.
The alleged victim described Sanchez as smelling of alcohol and showing signs of slurred speech. When a detective took Sanchez’s statement, he reportedly could only recall grabbing for a window during the altercation. However, police noted that there was a witness at the scene and security footage from two different hotels that closely matched the victim’s account of the events.
Identified only as “P. T.,” the truck driver said he was exchanging used cooking oil at the Westin Hotel when Sanchez approached and opened the door of his truck. After P. T. exited the vehicle, Sanchez claimed he had spoken to the hotel manager and told P. T. he could not be there.
Sanchez then allegedly climbed into the truck, prompting a confused P. T. to tell him he was not allowed to be inside. Sanchez got out but continued to assert that the hotel manager said fryer oil could not be replaced. He then attempted to get back into the truck.
The situation escalated as Sanchez blocked P. T. from retrieving his cell phone. The driver went around the front of the truck to flag down security officers at the Marriott Downtown hotel’s opposite loading dock, with Sanchez following him.
When P. T. returned to the passenger side of his truck, Sanchez again blocked his way. P. T. then tried reaching the driver’s side to get his phone, but Sanchez followed and shoved him back.
At this point, the encounter turned violent. Feeling physically threatened, P. T. grabbed his pepper spray from his pocket and sprayed Sanchez in the face. The pepper spray briefly affected Sanchez, who then wiped his face and charged at P. T.
Fearing for his life, P. T. pulled out a knife. As Sanchez came at him, P. T. struck him two or three times with the blade. The scuffle caused P. T. to fall back into a dumpster and onto pallets on the ground.
Despite this, Sanchez allegedly continued to punch or strike P. T. until the driver got up and stabbed Sanchez once more. Witnesses say Sanchez looked shocked before fleeing down an alley. He was later found at Loughmiller’s Pub and Eatery, a nearby bar.
Both men were hospitalized after authorities arrived on the scene. Sanchez was reported to be in critical condition.
Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears commented on the incident, saying, “This incident should never have happened. What began as a disagreement between a 38-year-old former professional athlete and a 69-year-old man should not have escalated into violence or left anyone seriously injured. As with any case, we will follow the facts and the law wherever they lead.”
Sanchez has since been charged with three misdemeanors: battery resulting in injury, public intoxication, and unlawful entry of a motor vehicle. Authorities continue their investigation into the case.
https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/breaking-news/article/security-footage-reportedly-shows-mark-sanchez-following-69-year-old-truck-driver-before-stabbing-this-guy-is-trying-to-kill-me-204837449.html