Arizona Man Accused of Removing Stranger’s Eyeball in Unprovoked Assault

Man Charged with Felony After Allegedly Attacking Stranger on the Street

Phoenix, Arizona – A 39-year-old Arizona man is behind bars after police say he brutally and unprovokedly assaulted a stranger by removing the victim’s eyeball from its socket during a violent attack in the early morning hours of Monday, April 14.

The suspect, identified as Daniel Lanks, is now facing felony aggravated assault charges stemming from the disturbing incident near 48th Street and Broadway Road. According to police reports, the attack happened after the victim simply greeted Lanks in passing by saying, “How are you doing?”

Authorities say Lanks reacted with aggression, reportedly telling the man he would “whoop his a—” before suddenly attacking him from behind. Police say Lanks forcibly removed the victim’s right eye from the socket and then continued punching him in the face, resulting in a fractured jaw and permanent damage.

“The victim stated that during this incident he was in fear for his life and safety, believing that Daniel could have killed him,” court documents state. “The attack was completely unprovoked.”

The victim told authorities he now has no use of his right eye and fears he may no longer be able to work or complete basic life tasks. The physical and emotional impact, he said, will forever alter his quality of life.

The arrest affidavit details that Lanks was arrested shortly after the incident and exhibited hostility during police questioning, reportedly telling officers to “shut the f— up” and claiming he didn’t understand his rights.

Lanks had only been out of custody for a week before this assault. He had been released on his recognizance following a separate arrest for aggravated assault and organized retail theft tied to an incident in March.

Following the April 14 attack, a judge ordered that Lanks be held on a $500,000 bond.