Suspect allegedly ripped out man's eye during attack in Phoenix
Man arrested after being released a week ago
A 39-year-old was arrested for allegedly ripping out another man's eyeball just a week after he was released from custody on his own recognizance.
PHOENIX - A man accused of a violent, unprovoked attack in Phoenix has been arrested.
Warning: Some details of this story are graphic.
What we know:
The alleged incident happened on April 11 near 48th Street and Broadway Road.
According to court documents, the victim reported to police that 39-year-old Daniel Lanks grabbed him from behind and forcefully ripped his right eyeball out of the socket.
Once the victim was on the ground, Lanks allegedly began punching him, fracturing his jaw in the process. The victim was able to get away and ran home, where he called police.
What they're saying:
When officers got to the victim's home, police say they found him holding his eyeball in a bloody towel.
"When asked to removed [sic] the towel officers observed the victims [sic] eyeball was completely removed from his eye socket, hanging down his face," court documents read.
After being released from the hospital, the victim told police the attack had devastating effects.
"The victim stated this loss of the use of his right eye and fractured jaw will forever impact his quality of life and is unsure if he will be able to work again or perform many basic life functions," court documents read. "The victim stated that during this incident he was in fear for his life and safety, believing that Daniel could have killed him and stated the attack was completely unprovoked, and he did not threaten Daniel, challenge him, and did not have any form of weapons to be perceived as a threat."
Big picture view:
On April 14, Lanks was located near 23rd and Dunlap Avenues and arrested by police.
"Post Miranda, Daniel told detectives to shut the f--- up and that he did not understand his rights," court documents read.
Lanks was booked into jail and is accused of felony aggravated assault. He's being held on a $500,000 cash bond.
Police say Lanks is a flight risk and a danger to the public should he be released.
Dig deeper:
According to court documents, Lanks was arrested in March on charges of aggravated assault and organized retail theft.
He was released from custody a week ago on his own recognizance.