Mark Sanchez stabbing caught on multiple surveillance cameras, prosecutor says

(NewsNation) — The stabbing attack that landed Mark Sanchez a felony charge was captured by multiple surveillance cameras, according to the chief prosecutor on the case.

Sanchez, a former NFL quarterback, allegedly attacked a 69-year-old truck driver in downtown Indianapolis last weekend. The victim told police that Sanchez appeared to be intoxicated and tried getting into his truck.

When Sanchez wouldn't back down, the driver pepper-sprayed him and stabbed him in what he says was self-defense. Both Sanchez and the victim were hospitalized.

"We had a number of different camera angles which captured most of what took place on this particular day," Marion County, Indiana, Chief Trial Deputy Ryan Mears told "Elizabeth Vargas Reports" Tuesday.

"You have surveillance footage from multiple businesses that are in the area. It took place in an alley between two separate hotels that also had pretty robust surveillance systems. And then there's actually surveillance footage from the truck itself."

Mark Sanchez could face upgraded charge: Prosecutor

Mears said Sanchez could see his felony battery charge upgraded if the victim's injuries prove to be long term.

"In the state of Indiana, you can actually upgrade the battery charge from a level 5 felony to a level 3 felony if you have what's known as permanent or protracted loss," Mears said, adding that it requires a diagnosis by a doctor.

"What's the long-term impact of these injuries? And how is it going to impact the victim? So those are our conversations that we'll have with the treating physicians, the doctors involved in this case and that'll help us make that ultimate charging decision."

Police haven't been able to speak with Mark Sanchez

Sanchez was hit with a civil lawsuit Monday after he was criminally charged with one count of felony battery resulting in a serious, violent injury. The driver suffered a “severe laceration to the side of his face, penetrating all the way through his left cheek,” per court documents.

Mears said police have yet to speak with Sanchez since the incident, stating they are "legally prohibited" from doing so.

"Certainly he's got an absolute right against self-incrimination," he said. "It's important to remember he was significantly injured in this particular incident, so when medical personnel arrived on scene, their focus was trying to offer help."

Mears said that his team is looking into whether drugs played a role in the stabbing. Witnesses reported that Sanchez was running wind sprints in the alley around midnight.

"It's protected health information," stated Mears. "It's not something we can just go to the doctor's office and get that information. There's a process for that information."

Mark Sanchez's family speaks out after stabbing

Sanchez's family issued a statement Monday after he was charged, writing, “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.

“Mark remains under medical care for the serious injuries he sustained and is focused on his recovery as the legal process continues. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the first responders and medical staff.”