Overview

• Marion County prosecutors added a Level 5 felony battery count to initial misdemeanors, carrying a potential one to six years in prison if convicted.
• Mark Sanchez has pleaded not guilty and remains under medical care in stable condition, with his next court appearance set for Nov. 4.
• Perry Tole filed a civil lawsuit seeking compensatory and punitive damages against Sanchez and Fox, alleging permanent disfigurement and employer negligence.
• A police affidavit says Sanchez smelled of alcohol, attempted to enter the driver’s truck, blocked him from calling for help, and shoved him before being pepper-sprayed and later stabbed.
• Fox replaced Sanchez on Sunday’s broadcast and has not issued a detailed response to the lawsuit, while Tole’s attorney says the driver is recovering at home as investigators review surveillance footage.