Town official shoots DoorDash driver asking for directions
- John Reilly, Chester's highway superintendent, has been charged with first-degree assault after he shot a DoorDash driver who was lost and seeking directions.
- The DoorDash driver approached several homes before reaching Reilly's residence, where he was confronted and shot as he attempted to leave.
- Local officials, including Chester Town Supervisor Brandon Holdridge, have expressed their concern regarding the incident, while DoorDash condemned the violence and called for safety for delivery drivers.
In a shocking incident in Chester, New York, a town official named John Reilly has been arrested after shooting a DoorDash driver who approached his home for directions. This alarming event occurred on a Friday night when the driver, attempting to deliver food, became lost and was unable to navigate using his application. After asking for directions at several homes in the area, the driver arrived at Reilly's residence. Reilly, who serves as the highway superintendent and is a federally licensed firearms dealer, allegedly confronted the driver and ordered him to leave his property. Reports indicate that as the driver was leaving in his vehicle, Reilly fired multiple shots, hitting the driver in the back and causing serious injuries. The state police charged Reilly with first-degree assault and criminal possession of a firearm. He was subsequently remanded to the Orange County Jail with a substantial bail set at $250,000 cash or alternative bond arrangements. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 9, 2025, in the Town of Chester Court. Despite the serious nature of the incident, it has been noted that Reilly is an elected official, and local officials expressed their concern regarding the limitations of their power over his ongoing employment. Chester Town Supervisor Brandon Holdridge stated that he and the town board are deeply troubled by the act and wish the injured driver a full recovery. Meanwhile, DoorDash responded with devastation regarding the event, emphasizing that no individual should fear for their safety while performing deliveries in their community. The local police department, due to the involvement of a town official, has recused itself from the investigation, leading to questions about how the case will be handled moving forward. The investigation is ongoing, with no information available on whether Reilly has secured legal representation.