CHESTER, N.Y. — A town highway superintendent in upstate New York is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly shooting a DoorDash driver who knocked on his door while trying to get directions during a late-night food delivery.
Authorities say John J. Reilly III, the Town of Chester’s highway superintendent, opened fire on the 24-year-old delivery worker around 9:50 p.m. on May 2, 2025, outside his home in the quiet, wooded neighborhood of Valerie Drive, roughly 60 miles north of Manhattan.
The victim, whose name has not been released, had reportedly become disoriented while attempting to deliver a food order and had approached several homes in the area asking for assistance when the incident occurred.
A Routine Delivery Turns Violent
According to New York State Police, the DoorDash driver, a recent immigrant from Guinea-Bissau in West Africa, was simply trying to fulfill a routine delivery when he lost GPS signal. Seeking help, he rang doorbells in the neighborhood.
One doorbell camera video captured him saying, “I need help,” just moments before the shooting. Witnesses and family members say the young man had done nothing suspicious and was visibly distressed as he tried to navigate the unfamiliar area.
When he reached Reilly’s home, police say the town official told the man to leave his property. Moments later, Reilly allegedly drew a firearm and fired multiple shots—striking the driver in the back as he turned and walked away toward his vehicle.
The Aftermath: Chaos and Concern
Despite being seriously injured, the victim managed to return to his car and drive himself home to Middletown, a nearby town, before eventually making his way to the hospital. Doctors later confirmed that his injuries, though serious, were not life-threatening.
Hospital staff alerted law enforcement to the gunshot wound, triggering a police investigation. Reilly was arrested the following day, on May 3, and charged with:
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First-degree assault
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Second-degree criminal possession of a weapon
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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.
“He Tried to Kill Him” — Family Speaks Out
Family members of the injured driver spoke emotionally about the terrifying ordeal. One relative recounted how the victim had approached Reilly’s home, holding the food order and asking, “Is this your order?” Reilly reportedly replied “No,” then told him to leave. As the young man walked away toward his car, the shooting began.
“He just started shooting at him, and he thought his life was over,” a family member told reporters. “He tried to murder him.”
The family added that, although they are angry and shocked, they are thankful he survived.
“We’re not a hateful family. 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,” the relative said.
Authorities: The Victim Was ‘Just Doing His Job’
Police investigators emphasized that there was no indication the driver posed a threat or was involved in any criminal activity.
“There’s nothing to indicate the victim had any nefarious intentions,” said New York State Police Capt. Joseph Kolek. “He was just out there doing his job, trying to make a food delivery.”
A spokesperson for DoorDash also condemned the shooting in a public statement:
“No one should ever fear for their safety just for trying to make deliveries in their neighborhood,” the statement read. “We’re devastated by this senseless act of violence, and we’re wishing the Dasher a full and speedy recovery. We’ll continue to work closely with law enforcement as they investigate this tragic incident.”
The Suspect: An Elected Official and Licensed Firearms Dealer
Reilly is not just a public official—he is also a federally licensed firearm dealer. Following the shooting, a “No Trespassing” sign was posted in front of his property.
The Chester Police Department recused itself from the case due to Reilly’s status as an elected official. The investigation was subsequently taken over by New York State Police Troop F.
Reilly has not issued a public statement since his arrest, and it remains unclear whether he has retained legal representation.
Local Government Response: ‘Innocent Until Proven Guilty’
Town of Chester Supervisor Brandon Holdridge released a statement acknowledging the incident but stopped short of condemning Reilly outright.
“The Town Board and I are aware of the ongoing situation concerning highway superintendent John Reilly,” Holdridge said. “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 clarified that, due to Reilly’s elected position, the Town Board has no authority to remove him from office unless he is convicted of a crime.
“As an elected official, the Town Board does not have control over Mr. Reilly’s future as highway superintendent,” he added. “The town will continue to run regular operations despite the investigation.”
Community Reaction and Broader Implications
The shooting has shocked residents of Chester, a typically quiet suburban town in Orange County, known more for its tree-lined neighborhoods than for violence. Many residents expressed disbelief that a public official would react with deadly force to a delivery driver asking for help.
The incident has reignited conversations about gun ownership, self-defense laws, and racial profiling, particularly as the victim is a young Black immigrant and the alleged shooter is a white town official.
Community advocacy groups are calling for accountability, while others argue for due process and a complete investigation.
Looking Ahead
As the case unfolds in court, several questions remain: What led Reilly to shoot at a man who posed no clear threat? Will the town take steps to suspend or remove him from office if he is convicted? And what will the legal outcome mean for the victim and his family, who came to America in search of opportunity?
One thing is clear—this story has shaken a community and raised broader concerns about the responsibilities of elected officials, the safe delivery of gig workers, and the rights of citizens simply trying to do their jobs.
Court proceedings for John J. Reilly III are scheduled to begin on May 9, 2025.
If convicted, he could face serious prison time, as well as permanent removal from public office.
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