Former NFL star Mark Sanchez has been arrested in hospital following an alleged stabbing incident during a dispute with a food delivery driver. The sports legend was rushed to the hospital after the altercation, which left him battling for his life. Sanchez is now in a stable condition, but it has emerged that he has been detained in hospital on suspicion of battery with injury, unlawful entry of a motor vehicle and public intoxication.
Leaked police audio obtained by TMZ reveals how officers grappled with the perplexing situation. In the recording, officers can be heard confirming a stabbing incident and requesting additional medical and police support. The confrontation reportedly took place near Loughmiller’s Pub and Eatery in Indianapolis, according to the Daily Mail.
An officer can be heard instructing others to “treat it as a crime scene, we don’t want anybody in or out for now” and another officer requests for the bar to be “locked down.”
Authorities have also confirmed that someome was taken into custody, and that the patient is “critical right now.” This individual is believed to be Mark Sanchez.
Following his arrest, police stated that the NFL icon remains in hospital and has not yet been booked.
The former Jets quarterback was in Indianapolis to commentate on Sunday’s NFL match between the Colts and Raiders for Fox.
A police report states that the alleged victim, a food delivery driver, claimed he was told by the Fox Sports commentator to move his vehicle as he couldn’t park where he was.
The retired NFL star is accused of allegedly threatening, following and assaulting the man who attempted, unsuccessfully, to pepper spray him. The delivery driver alleges that he defended himself with a knife at this point.
Reacting to the incident, Chief Chris Bailey of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department praised his team: “Proud of our IMPD officers and detectives who stayed focused on our mission and not the noise.
“Their professionalism represents the best of our department. IMPD will continue to be a steady, reliable presence in our city because our community deserves nothing less.”
Fox Sports PR released a statement on Saturday, which read: “Mark Sanchez was injured in Indianapolis on Saturday and is currently recovering in the hospital in stable condition.
“We are deeply grateful to the medical team for their exceptional care and support. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mark, and we ask that everyone please respect his and his family’s privacy during this time.”