Chester, New York – A 48-year-old town official, identified as John J. Reilly III, has been arrested after he shot a 24-year-old DoorDash driver who was simply asking for directions after getting lost in the neighborhood.
The driver, who recently moved from West Africa and speaks French, was attempting to deliver food when the incident occurred on the night of May 2, 2025.
What Happened That Night?
According to the New York State Police, the shooting happened around 9:50 p.m. outside Reilly’s home in the Town of Chester, located in Orange County. The DoorDash driver had lost his GPS signal and was stopping at homes to ask for directions. At Reilly’s house, he reportedly said through a doorbell camera:
“I have DoorDash. My phone is broken. I need some help.”
Instead of offering help or calling the police, Reilly told the driver to get off his property. As the driver tried to leave, Reilly fired multiple shots, hitting him once in the back, causing serious injuries that required emergency surgery.
Victim’s Background
The victim’s name has not been released publicly, but his family confirmed that he had moved recently to a neighboring town and was working for DoorDash for just one month. He was also a student at SUNY Orange in Middletown, where he was learning English.
He had no criminal background, and according to New York State Police Capt. Joseph Kolek:
“There’s nothing to indicate that the victim had any nefarious intentions. He was just out there doing his job.”
Aftermath and Investigation
After being shot, the victim somehow managed to drive himself to a gas station, where he charged his phone and called the police with help from a store clerk. He then drove home, where first responders met him and took him to the hospital.
Reilly, who was elected Highway Superintendent of Chester in 2021, has now been charged with:
- First-degree assault
- Criminal possession of a firearm
- Second-degree criminal possession of a weapon
He is also a federally licensed firearms dealer, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is now part of the investigation.
His bail has been set at $250,000, and he is expected back in court on May 9, 2025.
Was It a Hate Crime?
Authorities are now investigating whether the shooting was racially motivated, given the victim’s background and lack of wrongdoing. While official charges related to a hate crime have not yet been filed, the State Police confirmed they are looking into that angle.
The incident has similarities to other high-profile shootings involving people mistakenly approaching the wrong home:
- In 2023, a 66-year-old man in Hebron, New York, fatally shot a 20-year-old woman for entering his driveway by mistake. He was sentenced to 25 years to life.
- In Kansas City, Ralph Yarl, a Black teenager, was shot by Andrew Lester after ringing the wrong doorbell. Yarl survived, but the shooter died shortly before sentencing.
Official and Public Response
Town Supervisor Brandon Holdridge released a statement expressing concern:
“We are deeply troubled by what has been reported so far. We hope the person who was injured makes a full and healthy recovery.”
Since Reilly is a town official, local authorities have recused themselves, and state police are leading the investigation.
A DoorDash spokesperson also responded:
“No one should ever fear for their safety just for trying to make deliveries in their neighborhood. We’re devastated by this senseless act of violence.”