Overview

• Marion County prosecutors upgraded charges to Level 5 felony battery involving serious bodily injury after initially booking Sanchez on three misdemeanors.
• The alleged victim, 69-year-old delivery driver Perry Tole, sued Sanchez for assault and battery and Fox Corporation for negligent hiring, retention, and supervision, seeking compensatory and punitive damages.
• Police affidavits say Sanchez smelled of alcohol, entered Tole’s truck without permission, blocked him from calling his manager, and shoved him, prompting Tole to use pepper spray and then a knife in self-defense.
• Tole suffered a deep laceration through his left cheek and other injuries, while Sanchez sustained multiple stab wounds; Tole’s attorney says he is recovering at home and is thankful to be alive.
• Sanchez has pleaded not guilty, remains under medical care, faces a potential one- to six-year sentence if convicted, and is due back in court in November as Fox removes him from game broadcasts and limits public comment.