A New York town official is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly shooting a DoorDash driver who knocked on his door asking for directions.
John J. Reilly III, 48, the highway superintendent for the Town of Chester, was arrested Saturday after police say he opened fire on a 24-year-old delivery driver outside his home.
According to New York State Police, the victim—who had become lost while making a delivery—was leaving the property when Reilly shot him in the back.
Authorities say the man had approached several nearby homes before arriving at Reilly’s residence, looking for help navigating the area.
Reilly allegedly told him to leave, then fired multiple shots as the driver returned to his vehicle. The victim was seriously injured but is expected to survive, his family told local news outlet ABC 6.
The victim is a recent immigrant from West Africa and does not speak English, his family said. He was relying on his phone for directions and was simply trying to complete a food delivery.
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“There’s nothing to indicate the victim had any nefarious intentions; he’s just out there doing his job,” said New York State Police Captain Joseph Kolek.
Reilly has been charged with first-degree assault, second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, and illegal firearm possession. He was initially held on a $750,000 bond at the Orange County Jail but has since been released, according to jail records.
His preliminary court hearing is scheduled for May 9 in the Town of Chester Court. It remains unclear if he has retained legal representation.
DoorDash issued a statement condemning the shooting. “We’re devastated by this senseless act of violence,” said spokesperson Eli Scheinholtz.
“No one should ever fear for their safety just for trying to make deliveries in their neighborhood.”
The investigation is ongoing, and police are urging any witnesses or neighbors with information to come forward.
