Mark Sanchez Released from Hospital, Booked in Jail After Stabbing Incident

Former NFL quarterback Mark Sanchez has been discharged from the hospital and booked into jail following a stabbing incident that occurred on October 4 in Indianapolis.

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) confirmed via email that Sanchez, 38, was released from medical care and booked into custody on the morning of Sunday, October 12. According to Fox 59, Sanchez — now a Fox Sports broadcaster — was booked into Marion County Jail.

Sanchez faces multiple charges: one felony count of battery resulting in serious bodily injury and three misdemeanor counts, including battery resulting in bodily injury, unauthorized entry of a motor vehicle, and public intoxication endangering another person’s life.

Fox 59 reporter Max Lewis shared on X that Sanchez was booked “to be fingerprinted and have his mugshot taken,” as ordered by the judge before he could leave Indiana. In a video obtained by Lewis, Sanchez was seen leaving the jail, saying, “Right now, I am just focused on my recovery,” and expressing gratitude toward first responders and hospital staff. He added that he was especially thankful to his surgeon, saying, “[She] saved my life, so I’m grateful for that. I’m recovering slowly.”

Authorities said Sanchez was in Indianapolis to call the Colts vs. Raiders game on October 5. The night before, he allegedly became involved in an altercation with 69-year-old truck driver Perry Tole in a downtown alley. The confrontation left both men hospitalized with serious injuries.

According to police, “detectives believe this was an isolated incident between the two men and not a random act of violence.”

Initially, Sanchez faced three misdemeanor charges — battery with injury, unlawful entry of a motor vehicle, and public intoxication — and was arrested while being treated for stab wounds at a local hospital. The battery charge was later upgraded to a felony.

During an October 6 press conference, Indianapolis Police Chief Chris Bailey stated, “I don’t care who you are. I don’t care what you do for a living. I don’t care where you live. If you come into our city and commit violence, we will use every tool at our disposal to hold you accountable.”

Tole, the alleged victim, told authorities that he acted in self-defense after Sanchez began harassing him over a parking spot. Court documents indicate that Tole claimed Sanchez — who had been running sprints in the alleyway — smelled of alcohol, was slurring his speech, and climbed into the cab of his truck.

CNN reported that Tole has since filed a lawsuit against Sanchez and Fox Sports, seeking punitive and compensatory damages.

In a statement to The Indianapolis Star, Sanchez’s family said, “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.”