Jacksonville, North Carolina — A routine food delivery turned into a terrifying ordeal for a mother of three after authorities say a man followed her vehicle and later attacked her with a baseball bat.
Christen Phillips is now recovering from a serious brain injury after the alleged assault, which happened Aug. 1 in broad daylight while she was working as a DoorDash driver.
Phillips said the attack left her with multiple skull fractures, brain bleeds and a fractured cheekbone.
The suspected attacker, identified as 44-year-old Stanley Shockley, has been arrested and remains behind bars in connection with the incident.
A Simple Honk Allegedly Triggered the Incident
According to the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began when Phillips was stopped at an intersection and waiting for the vehicle in front of her to move.
Shockley was reportedly driving behind her. Phillips honked her horn to alert him to move his vehicle forward. Authorities say the situation escalated after that brief interaction. The sheriff’s office said the vehicle eventually moved out of Phillips’ way but began following her.
Phillips continued to the location where she needed to complete her DoorDash delivery, apparently unaware of how dangerous the situation would become.
Suspect Allegedly Attacked Her With a Bat
After Phillips completed the food delivery, she began walking back toward her vehicle. According to investigators, Shockley allegedly got out of his vehicle and attacked her with a baseball bat before fleeing the area. Phillips later described the terrifying assault in a social media post.
“He came around to my door with a small wooden bat or baton and beat me in the head and face with it,” she said.
The injuries were so severe that Phillips said she has no memory of the actual attack.
“I don’t remember it at all. I woke up an unverified amount of time later,” she said.
Despite her injuries, Phillips was able to get behind the wheel and drive herself to a nearby hospital.
Mom Suffered Multiple Skull Fractures and Brain Bleeds
The injuries Phillips described were extensive.
“I had multiple skull fractures and brain bleeds,” she said.
She also reported that blood and cerebral fluid drained from her left ear for hours following the attack. In addition, her left cheekbone was fractured.
The serious injuries have left Phillips facing a difficult recovery as she continues receiving medical care. For a mother who was simply working to complete a food delivery, the incident has turned an ordinary workday into a traumatic experience.
Suspect Arrested After Investigation
The Onslow County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Shockley was arrested Monday in connection with the assault. He is charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, inflicting serious injury, according to records.
Sheriff Chris Thomas credited members of the public who provided information during the investigation.
“We appreciate the number of tips and leads the public provided us,” Thomas said, explaining that detectives followed leads and worked through the available evidence before identifying a suspect.
The sheriff added that investigators continued pursuing answers even as the case presented challenges.
DoorDash Says It Will Assist Investigation
DoorDash also responded to the attack and expressed support for Phillips.
In a statement, a company spokesperson called what happened “horrific” and said the company was relieved Phillips was safe and recovering.
DoorDash also thanked law enforcement for making an arrest and said it would continue assisting the investigation in any way possible.
Meanwhile, Phillips remains focused on recovering from the devastating injuries she suffered while simply doing her job.
The case serves as another reminder of the risks faced by delivery workers who routinely travel to unfamiliar locations and interact with strangers while working alone.
What do you think should be done to improve safety for delivery drivers working alone? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
