The man behind a near-fatal apartment building explosion in November 2021 has pleaded guilty and been sentenced to prison.
Court records show that Phillip Dankins had been angry over a relationship issue when he fired a gunshot into an apartment Highland Hills. But while the shot didn't strike the person it was intended for, it did sever a natural gas line.
The next day, residents reported a strong odor of gas. Dallas Fire Rescue was sent to investigate. And while they were in the building, it exploded. Four people went to the hospital, and three were nearly killed. Dallas Firefighters Andrew Curtis, Chris Gadomski, Pauline Perez, and Ronald Hall were injured in the blast.
Dankins had been in the Dallas County jail prior to the explosion on other charges. He was connected with the blast when bullets from a Ruger 380 handgun found in his possession matched those found at the crime scene.
Now Dankins has pleaded guilty to the charges and has been sentenced to 12 years in prison.
Jim McDade, President of the Dallas Firefighter's Association, thinks it's a good plea deal. One of the injured firefighters has retired, and two more have returned to work as they continue to recover. One may not be able to fight fires again.
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