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Chester Official John J. Reilly III Charged After Shooting Lost DoorDash Driver in Back on May 2, 2025

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Updated May 9, 2025, 12:34 AM

John J. Reilly III, the 48-year-old highway superintendent for the Town of Chester, New York, has been arrested and charged after allegedly shooting a 24-year-old DoorDash delivery driver who was lost and seeking directions. The incident occurred at approximately 9:50 p.m. on May 2, 2025, when the driver, recently arrived from West Africa and living in Middletown, was attempting to deliver food in the Valerie Drive neighborhood. After his GPS failed and his phone was nearly dead, he approached several homes for directions and eventually arrived at Reilly's residence. Video footage reviewed by law enforcement shows Reilly firing a warning shot, then aiming at the victim's Toyota Corolla as the driver attempted to leave, and firing two additional shots, one of which struck the driver in the back. Authorities state there is no indication the driver had any criminal intent; he was working and attempting to complete a delivery. Reilly, a federally licensed firearms dealer, has been charged with first-degree assault, second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, and criminal possession of a firearm. He was arraigned and released on $500,000 bond, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for May 9. A "No Trespassing" sign was posted at Reilly's home following the incident. DoorDash and local officials expressed concern over the safety of delivery workers. The Chester Police Department recused itself from the investigation, which is being led by New York State Police.

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