News Flash

On November 7, 2023, at approximately 1535 hours, P/O Tim Young #503, P/O Joshua Doan #562, and P/O Anthony Lucidi #524 responded to a shoplifting in progress at the Home Depot located on Rt. 130 in Hamilton Township. P/O Young and P/O Doan identified the vehicle and occupants described to Hamilton dispatch and approached the vehicle in the parking lot. P/O 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. P/O Young immediately tried to stop Eric by grabbing him. Eric put the car into drive and drug P/O Young, going backward and forwards with the vehicle numerous times until P/O 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 P/O Joshua Doan. During this altercation, the original driver of the vehicle, Daray L. Wesby, fled the area on foot towards Rt. 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 Obstruction.

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, 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.