NY Town of Chester Highway Superintendent John J. Reilly III arrested for shooting DoorDash driver
Share this @internewscast.com

An official from a New York town is accused of shooting at a DoorDash driver who was lost and had rung his doorbell seeking directions during a night delivery on May 2.

According to the New York State Police, John J. Reilly III, the Town of Chester Highway Superintendent, fired several shots at the 24-year-old delivery driver, hitting him in the back as he approached Reilly’s home in Chester, NY.

The driver, whose identity has not been disclosed, was carrying out a delivery for the well-known food delivery service in the wooded Valerie Drive neighborhood when he became disoriented with his navigation and went to multiple homes asking for help with directions.

“I need help,” the West Africa-native cried out in a neighbor’s doorbell camera video, according to WABC.

Reilly was inside his Orange County home, about 60 miles north of Manhattan, when the driver approached the house at 9:50 p.m.

The town official warned the driver to get off his property before he drew his gun and shot at the stranger several times, police said

The worker was hit once in the back as he attempted to leave the residential neighborhood in his car.

The driver’s family recalled the harrowing encounter he had with Reilly.

“He asked the guy, ‘Is this your order?’ The guy said, ‘No,’ and proceeds to say, ‘Get off my property.’ He walks away, he’s going about his day, going to his car, and the guy tries to murder him,” one relative of driver told the outlet. “He just started shooting at him and he thought his life was over.”

Police ruled the driver wasn’t doing anything suspicious. and was “just out there doing his job.”

“There’s nothing to indicate the victim had any nefarious intentions, he’s just out there doing his job, trying to make a food delivery,” New York State Police Capt. Joseph Kolek told reporters.

Not knowing what to do, the driver drove back to his home in nearby Middletown before going to the hospital.

The man’s wounds were listed as serious but non-fatal, police said.

The driver had recently moved to the US from his native Guinea-Bissau to live with his family and was working for DoorDash to earn money.

“No one should ever fear for their safety just for trying to make deliveries in their neighborhood,” a spokesperson told the outlet. “We’re devastated by this senseless act of violence.”

The Post has reached out to DoorDash.

Officials were alerted to the gunshot wound by hospital staff and arrested Reilly on May 3.

Reilly, a federally licensed firearm dealer, was charged with first-degree assault, second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and criminal possession of a firearm.

He was booked into Orange County Jail on a $500,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on May 9.

The driver’s family found consolation knowing their loved one wasn’t killed.

“We’re not a hateful family, or anything. Yes, the situation makes us angry, but we’re just very grateful that he’s alive, and we want this guy to get the punishment he deserves because he tried to kill him,” the relative added.

Town of Chester Supervisor Brandon Holdridge said he wouldn’t take a position on the case during the investigation, adding Reilly is “innocent until proven guilty.”

“The Town Board and I are aware of the ongoing situation concerning Highway Superintendent John Reilly. We are deeply troubled by what has been reported so far. We hope the person who was injured in the incident makes a full and healthy recovery,” Holdridge said.

New York State Troop F took over the investigation after the Chester Police Department recused itself from the case.

“As an elected official, the Town Board does not have control over Mr. Reilly’s future as Highway Superintendent,” Holdridge added.

He said the town will continue to run regular operations despite the investigation.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
El Nino odds spike to 61% as scientists warn of possible ‘very strong’ climate event

El Niño Alert: 61% Likelihood of Intensified Climate Phenomenon, Experts Warn

An emerging El Nino phenomenon is brewing in the Pacific Ocean, with…
Charlotte train stabbing suspect’s state case stalls amid mind control claims — but Uncle Sam says not so fast

Charlotte Train Stabbing Case Hits Roadblock Over Mind Control Defense, Federal Authorities Intervene

The homeless man accused of fatally stabbing 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska on a…
Bill to let California state workers stay remote advances

California’s Remote Work Revolution: New Bill Paves the Way for State Workers

Working from the comfort of home might soon become a permanent fixture…
Trump blasts 'dishonorable' Iran over its handling of Strait of Hormuz

Trump Criticizes Iran’s Conduct in the Strait of Hormuz as ‘Dishonorable

President Trump expressed strong disapproval of Iran’s recent actions concerning the management…
UK defense minister warns Putin of 'serious consequences' after covert underwater military operation

UK Defense Minister Issues Stern Warning to Putin Over Underwater Military Operation

In a stark warning to Russian leader Vladimir Putin, UK Defense Minister…
Passport to Illinois celebrates state's role in American history ahead of nation's 250th birthday

Explore Illinois’ Rich History: Celebrating 250 Years of American Heritage

As the United States gears up to commemorate its 250th anniversary, ABC7…
Trio of Russian spy submarines detected near Britain, UK says

UK Reports Sighting of Three Russian Submarines Near British Waters

British authorities have disclosed that Russia has dispatched three submarines to monitor…
LA singles are swapping out dating apps and meeting at Dodger Stadium

LA Singles Ditch Dating Apps for Romantic Connections at Dodger Stadium

Swiping right may soon be a thing of the past for singles…
NATO boss Mark Rutte rips Europe for 'unhealthy co-dependence' on US, acknowledges Trump is 'dissapointed'

NATO Chief Mark Rutte Criticizes Europe’s Reliance on the US, Notes Trump’s Discontent

WASHINGTON — In a compelling speech at the Reagan Institute’s Center for…
US Marine stabbed to death in North Carolina chaotic street brawl, police hunt person of interest

Fatal Stabbing of US Marine in North Carolina Street Altercation Prompts Search for Suspect

In North Carolina’s downtown area, a U.S. Marine tragically lost his life…
How antisemitic professors have 'poisoned' Columbia University

Columbia University Faces Controversy: Antisemitic Allegations Against Professors Spark Outrage

In the 2023-2024 House Education Committee hearings, amidst growing concerns about campus…
Murder suspect on ICE hold accused of luring teen into death trap where victim’s final plea went unheard

Tragic Missouri Teen Murder: ICE Detainer Issued for Suspect in Heartbreaking Case

The Department of Homeland Security has issued an Immigration and Customs Enforcement…