In Chester, New York, a DoorDash driver looking for directions was allegedly shot by the town’s highway superintendent on May 2nd during a late-night delivery.
According to New York State Police, John J. Reilly III fired several shots at the 24-year-old driver as he approached Reilly’s home seeking help.
The driver, whose identity hasn’t been revealed, had been delivering food in the Valerie Drive area when he inadvertently lost his way and checked multiple homes for guidance.
“I need help,” the driver, originally from West Africa, pleaded as captured on a neighbor’s doorbell camera, according to reports.
Riley was inside his home in Orange County, about 60 miles north of Manhattan, when the incident occurred around 9:50 PM.
Town officials reportedly told the driver to leave the property before Reilly pulled out his gun and opened fire, hitting the driver in the back as he attempted to leave.
The driver’s family recounted how he had approached Reilly, asking if the order belonged to him, but was promptly told to vacate the premises. They noted the shooter seemed intent on harming the driver rather than resolving the situation peacefully.
Authorities concluded that the driver had acted appropriately, emphasizing there was nothing suspicious about his behavior as he was simply performing his job.
Upon feeling uncertain, the driver made his way home to Middletown before seeking medical help. Fortunately, his injuries were serious but not life-threatening.
Having recently moved to the U.S. from Guinea-Bissau to support his family, the driver’s family expressed their relief that he survived this encounter. They condemned the violence, emphasizing no one should fear for their safety while working.
Doordash has been contacted for more information regarding this incident.
Reilly was arrested on May 3 after hospital staff alerted authorities to the shooting. As a federally licensed firearms dealer, he faces charges including first-degree assault and illegal possession of a weapon.
He is currently held at the Orange County Jail with a bond set at $500,000, and he is expected to appear in court on May 9.
The driver’s family is grateful their loved one is alive, yet they seek appropriate consequences for Reilly’s actions.
The Chester town director, Brandon Hallridge, commented on the ongoing investigation while reaffirming the principle of presumption of innocence. He expressed deep concern over the incident and hopes for the recovery of everyone involved.
Following the Chester Police Department’s withdrawal from the case, the investigation has been taken over by the New York State Police.
Hallridge noted that day-to-day operations in the town will continue as normal despite the developments.
