An unidentified DoorDash driver, lost after his GPS stopped working and his phone died, tried to seek help at a Chester neighborhood in Orange County, New York. Instead, a New York highway superintendent, John J. Reilly III, allegedly shot the 24-year-old driver.
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According to the New York State Police, the incident took place on May 2. At approximately 9:50 p.m., authorities were made aware of a gunshot victim who had been transported to the Garnet Health Medical Center.
The victim, the DoorDash driver, had been attempting to ask for directions in the Valerie Drive neighborhood in Chester, New York. According to ABC7, the 24-year-old had just arrived from West Africa, moving to Middletown a month ago. His English wasn't very good, and at the time, his phone had died.
Lost, he started asking for directions by knocking on some doors, eventually knocking on Reilly's door. The latter told the DoorDash driver to get off his property. As the victim complied, however, Reilly allegedly shot at him multiple times, striking him once in the back.
New York State Police Capt. Joseph Kolek told ABC7 that the victim had no apparent "nefarious intentions." "He's just out there doing his job, trying to make a food delivery," Kolek added.
The victim was transported to a local hospital and is expected to survive, but it is possible that he suffered life-altering injuries during the incident, as per the Times Union.
John J. Reilly III was arrested on May 3 and charged with first-degree assault, second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, and criminal possession of a firearm. He is currently being held at Orange County Jail on a $250,000 cash bond.
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According to state police, Reilly is currently the Highway Superintendent in Chester. He is also a federally licensed firearms dealer.
Town Supervisor Brandon Holdridge shared a statement with the Times Union, revealing that the town of Chester does not have a say on the future of Reilly's position as a highway superintendent, given that he is an elected official.
"We are deeply troubled by what has been reported so far," Holdridge said. "We hope the person who was injured in the incident makes a full and healthy recovery."
A DoorDash spokesperson also shared a statement with media outlets, saying that they are working closely with authorities.
"No one should ever fear for their safety just for trying to make deliveries in their neighborhood," the spokesperson said. "We're devastated by this senseless act of violence."
