Lost DoorDash Driver Looking For Directions Allegedly Shot By Town Official

A DoorDash driver was allegedly shot by a town official in Chester, New York, while seeking directions on Friday (May 2). The 24-year-old driver, who recently moved from West Africa to Middletown, was lost and approached several homes, including that of John J. Reilly III, Chester's highway superintendent. According to ABC News, Reilly, 48, told the driver to leave his property and allegedly fired multiple shots as the driver attempted to leave, hitting him once in the back. The driver is now in stable condition but faces a long recovery.

Reilly, who is also 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 is being held in Orange County Jail, with a preliminary hearing set for Friday (May 9).

The incident has sparked outrage as DoorDash expressed devastation over the "senseless act of violence" and pledged to assist law enforcement in the investigation. Chester Town Supervisor Brandon Holdridge stated that the town is "deeply troubled" by the reports and hopes for the driver's full recovery.

New York State Police Captain Joseph Kolek emphasized that the driver had no malicious intent and was simply trying to make a delivery. The case has drawn comparisons to other recent incidents where individuals were shot after mistakenly approaching the wrong property.