Home Depot Shoplifter Assaults Officer with Getaway Vehicle as Shoplifting Group Tries to Escape Capture

November 10, 2023

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)-Hamilton Police say that on November 7, 2023, at approximately 3:35 p.m., Officers Tim Young, Joshua Doan, Anthony Lucidi responded to a shoplifting in progress at the Home Depot located on Route 130 in Hamilton Township. Officers Young and Doan identiﬁed the vehicle and occupants described to Hamilton Police dispatch and approached the vehicle in the parking lot. Officer Young ordered the driver of the vehicle, Daray L. Wesby, out of the vehicle. When Daray exited the vehicle, the front-seat passenger, Eric D. Murphy, got into the driver’s seat and attempted to drive away. Officer Young immediately tried to stop Eric by grabbing him. Eric Murphy put the car into drive and dragged Officer Young, going backward and forward, with the vehicle numerous times until Officer Young was able to gain control of Eric and place him in custody. Once the vehicle was stopped, the rear passenger, Michael C. Brown, exited the vehicle and ran on foot. He was chased down and taken into custody by Officer Joshua Doan. During this altercation, the original driver of the vehicle, Daray L. Wesby, ﬂed the area on foot towards Route 130.

Michael C. Brown was arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault, Resisting Arrest, and Shoplifting. He was placed on a warrant and transported to the Mercer County Corrections Center.

Eric Murphy was arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault, Resisting Arrest, and Shoplifting. He was placed on a warrant and transported to the Mercer County Corrections Center.

Daray Wesby was placed on a summons for Obstructing the administration of law.

During this event, some of the initial proceeds of the shoplifting were dropped in the parking lot and picked up by Stephanie L. Diaz, who attempted to return the items for a refund. She was turned away because she could not produce a receipt, so she left the Home Depot with the aforementioned proceeds. Stephanie L. Diaz has been charged with shoplifting and placed on a summons.

All parties are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.