In a North Carolina town where people usually just get excited about college basketball or the new barbecue joint opening down the street, there’s a different type of drama unfolding. Picture this: it’s the early hours of the morning, and while most folks are sleeping, a hard-working mother of three is out delivering food to make ends meet. Her name is Kristen Phillips, and like many Americans, she’s embraced the hustle culture. Little did she know, the night would take a violent and bizarre turn that sounds like something out of an over-the-top action movie, minus the high-speed chases and explosions.
Kristen knew her night was about to get a little more interesting when she encountered Stanley Shockley, a man in a classic case of road rage, or, as some people like to call it, “I-cannot-control-my-emotions-behind-the-wheel syndrome.” At a green light, Stanley apparently decided it was the perfect time to take a nap or perhaps ponder the meaning of life. Unfortunately, Kristen had a schedule to keep, so she did what any of us would do—she pressed on the horn.
Little did she know, that horn honk was the sound that woke up the beast within Stanley. Like an aggravated gamer who’s been interrupted mid-game, Stanley must have felt personally attacked. After speeding up and tailgating Kristen, the drama climaxed when he allegedly blocked her car, and then, according to reports, Stanley approached her with a baseball bat. Not for a friendly game of neighborhood baseball, but to allegedly strike her in an unprovoked attack that sent Kristen to the hospital with serious injuries.
Kristen’s tenacity and strength are something to marvel at, as she managed to seek medical attention on her own after the frightening ordeal. Luckily, modern technology, like surveillance cameras, came to the rescue. Law enforcement was able to piece together the puzzle of this roadside horror show and Stanley Shockley is now facing serious charges, as he should be. One can only hope that justice will prevail and that Stanley will come to understand that horn honks are not personal insults.
The folks at Door Dash, clearly horrified by what happened to their employee, have expressed their relief over her safety and their gratitude toward law enforcement. While Kristen recovers, one can only ponder what some people were doing at 2 a.m. on August 1st. Maybe, instead of sleeping, they’re plotting revenge against minor traffic inconveniences. Let this wild story be a reminder to watch out for hot-headed drivers with a penchant for baseball, and maybe, just maybe, reserve horn honking for when it’s really necessary.
