A man in Arizona, Daniel Lanks, has been arrested for a shocking assault that left a stranger with severe injuries, including an eyeball hanging out of its socket. The attack occurred on April 11, just days after Lanks was released from jail for an unrelated incident. The victim, a man walking in Phoenix around 1 a.m., casually greeted Lanks by asking, “How are you doing?” Lanks responded aggressively, threatening the victim. The situation escalated when Lanks attacked, digging his fingers into the stranger’s eye socket and pulling the eyeball out.
Unprovoked Attack Leaves Victim Severely Injured; Motive Remains Unknown and Mysterious
After the horrific act of pulling out the victim’s eyeball, the stranger collapsed, but Lanks continued to assault him, delivering several punches to the face. The victim was eventually able to escape and rushed home, where his girlfriend called 911. When officers arrived, they found the man holding a bloody towel to his face, and upon removing it, they saw the victim’s eye dangling from its socket. The victim’s condition was severe, and he was left with permanent damage, including losing sight in his right eye and a fractured jaw.
Arizona Man Arrested After Brutal Attack Leaves Stranger Permanently Blinded and Severely InjuredThe circumstances surrounding the attack remain mysterious, as there is no clear motive. The victim and Lanks had no prior connection, and the victim did not provoke or challenge Lanks before the assault. Court documents indicate that the victim felt his life was in danger during the attack, fearing that Lanks could have killed him. The assault appeared entirely unprovoked, and the victim had no weapons or reason to be perceived as a threat.
Victim Faces Permanent Injuries and Uncertain Future; Lanks Remains in Custody
The aftermath of the attack has left the victim facing severe long-term consequences. In addition to losing the use of his right eye, he sustained a fractured jaw. The victim’s future remains uncertain, as he is reportedly unsure whether he will be able to work again or perform basic life functions due to the extent of his injuries. His trauma extends beyond the physical pain, as the psychological toll of such a violent and random attack is expected to have lasting effects.
Daniel Lanks is currently in police custody, facing a felony charge of aggravated assault. Authorities arrested him three days after the attack, and the victim was able to identify him in a photo lineup. Lanks, who has a criminal history including a recent release from jail for aggravated assault and organized retail theft, faces a $500,000 bond for the current charges. Prosecutors have deemed him a flight risk and a danger to the public, and his actions have led to serious concerns about his future behavior.
