Man rips victim’s eye out in random attack, authorities say

PHOENIX (KPHO/Gray News) — A man is facing an aggravated assault charge after a gruesome, unprovoked attack in Phoenix.

According to court documents, the victim was walking near a smoke shop on Broadway Road on April 11 around 1 a.m. when he asked 38-year-old Daniel Lanks, " How are you doing?”

Authorities said the man kept walking before Lanks came up from behind, stuck his fingers into the victim’s right eye socket and pulled it out.

The victim fell and Lanks punched him in the face multiple times, fracturing his jaw, court paperwork said.

Police said the victim later told them he felt his eye dangling from its socket. He then went home and his girlfriend called 911.

Three days later, the victim identified Lanks as his attacker in a photo lineup, police said.

Officers found Lanks at a treatment center on 23rd Avenue. He was booked into jail on one felony and his bond was set at $500,000.

Court documents said Lanks has a history of mental illness, is homeless and has a criminal history that includes attacking police, trespassing and stealing.