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
Long Island has 'high burden' for common blood disorder: study

Study Reveals Significant Prevalence of Common Blood Disorder on Long Island

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most prevalent inherited blood disorder in…
‘Santa Claus’ cuffed in undercover sting targeting child sex predators, sheriff says

Undercover Operation Leads to Arrest of Man Posing as ‘Santa Claus’ in Child Exploitation Probe, Reports Sheriff

A man known for playing Santa Claus in Polk County, Florida, has…
Waymo leaves passenger at California Airport without luggage

Waymo’s Autonomous Vehicle Strands Passenger at California Airport, Leaving Luggage Behind

A Bay Area entrepreneur’s inaugural experience with a driverless Waymo vehicle turned…
Man armed with club breaches school campus during lockdown in Putnam County

Intruder with Club Penetrates Putnam County School Grounds Amid Lockdown

In Putnam County, officials reported the arrest of a man who breached…
Dutch Princesses Catharina-Amalia and Alexia targeted in murder plot as police find axes, Nazi note

Dutch Royals Catharina-Amalia and Alexia Threatened in Alleged Murder Plot; Police Discover Axes and Disturbing Nazi Note

In a chilling development, a suspected far-right extremist allegedly plotted a Nazi-inspired…
Secret Service 'model worked' during WHCA Dinner shooting but 'luck' played a role, experts say

Experts Praise Secret Service Response at WHCA Dinner Shooting, Highlighting Role of Preparedness and Fortune

An armed individual managed to breach a security checkpoint at the White…
Four noncitizens charged with illegally voting in 2020, 2022 and 2024 federal elections in New Jersey

Unmasking Voter Fraud: Four Noncitizens Charged with Illegal Voting in NJ Elections

Federal prosecutors announced on Friday that four noncitizens have been charged with…
Beloved crossing guard killed by alleged drunk driver while helping kids cross the street in Louisiana

Tragic Loss: Louisiana Crossing Guard Fatally Struck by Alleged Drunk Driver While Protecting Children

A cherished crossing guard lost her life in a tragic accident when…
Texas Cessna plane crash kills 5; NTSB investigating

Tragic Cessna Crash in Texas Claims 5 Lives; NTSB Launches Investigation

Tragedy struck in Texas as authorities confirmed the deaths of five individuals…
Female inmate sues Washington state after alleged attack by male-born prisoner in women's facility

Female Inmate Files Lawsuit Against Washington State Over Alleged Assault by Transgender Prisoner in Women’s Facility

A female inmate in Washington is pursuing legal action against state corrections…
Cole Allen clues pile up as Thomas Crooks’ secrets died with him — experts cite evidence gaps in Trump attacks

New Evidence Emerges in Cole Allen Case as Thomas Crooks’ Secrets Die with Him; Experts Point to Evidence Gaps in Trump-Related Attacks

In just a few days, authorities have disclosed a wealth of details…
Make-A-Wish and Disney are making Broadway dreams come true

Make-A-Wish and Disney Collaborate to Bring Broadway Dreams to Life

NEW YORK — For most theatergoers, attending a performance of “Aladdin” on…