Longtime NASCAR driver Mike Wallace and his daughter were attacked by three men after a concert on Friday night, Charlotte police confirmed to USA TODAY Sports.
Wallace and his family were leaving a Rascal Flatts concert at Charlotte’s PNC Music Pavilion when the attack occurred, according to Mike Wallace’s brother, Kenny Wallace.
“Mike was talking to one of the three men and then, out of nowhere, one came after Mike like a crazy man,” Kenny Wallace, also a retried NASCAR driver, told USA TODAY Sports on Sunday. “Mike was knocked out completely cold. While he was on the ground they continued to beat on him, kicking him in the face.
Charlotte police spokesperson Keith Trietley said in an email to USA TODAY Sports that three men were arrested: Paul Lucas, 29, Nathan Lucas, 22, and Randolph Mangum, 24. According to the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s website, each were charged with simple assault and each had posted $1,000 bond.
“The listed victims were kicked and punched several times in the head, face and stomach by the listed suspects following a verbal altercation,” a responding officer wrote in a police report obtained by USA TODAY Sports.
Kenny Wallace was not with his brother that night, but he began receiving text messages moments after the assault took place and had spoken to family members present at the attack.
Mike Wallace’s daughter, Lindsey Wallace Van Wingerden, jumped atop Mike Wallace in an attempt to protect her father, but the attack continued, Kenny Wallace said. Van Wingerden’ husband, Thomas Van Wingerden, also suffered minor injuries, according to the police report.
There was no preexisting relationship between Mike Wallace and his alleged attacker and no weapons were used in the incident, according to police.
Mike Wallace received several stitches in his mouth and had a tooth dislodged. Van Wingerden also suffered minor injuries. Both were treated and released from an area hospital, according to Kenny Wallace.
Wallace, who started 197 Sprint Cup starts over a 22-year career, hasn’t competed in a NASCAR event since he underwent triple bypass heart surgery in April 2015.
“I talked to Mike a couple times this weekend and he’s just in shock,” Kenny Wallace said. “He can’t believe it happened.”
Kenny Wallace said he didn’t know what started the confrontation. Trietley, the police spokesman, said he had no further information about the case as of Sunday evening.
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