North Carolina State Representative Tricia Cotham, R-N.C., has voiced criticism of what she calls "soft-on-crime" policies, following a violent attack on a DoorDash driver in Jacksonville, North Carolina. Christen Phillips, a mother of three, is recovering in the hospital after allegedly being beaten with a baseball bat by a man who authorities say followed her after a traffic incident.
The Onslow County Sheriff's Office reported that the assault occurred on August 1. Phillips was reportedly stopped in her car at an intersection when the driver behind her, later identified as Stanley Shockley, 44, became aggressive after Phillips honked her horn. According to deputies, Shockley's vehicle then began following Phillips.
Phillips proceeded to her delivery destination and, upon exiting her vehicle to complete the drop-off, was allegedly attacked by Shockley. Phillips stated that the assailant approached her car door with a bat and struck her in the head and face. She reported waking up an unknown amount of time later with significant injuries.
Phillips was able to drive herself to a hospital where she was diagnosed with multiple skull fractures, brain bleeds, and a fractured cheekbone. She has since undergone multiple surgeries for her injuries.
Shockley was arrested on Monday and charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, inflicting serious injury. Sheriff Chris Thomas acknowledged the public's unease with such incidents, thanking citizens for providing tips that aided the investigation and arrest.
Cotham, who appeared on 'The Ingraham Angle,' linked the incident to broader concerns about public safety and criminal justice policies.
