Shocking doorbell footage captured the disturbing moment when a New York town official shot and injured a DoorDash delivery driver who had stopped to ask for directions. John J. Reilly III, 48, who serves as the elected highway superintendent in Chester and is also a federally licensed firearms dealer, is currently under investigation for the incident that occurred on May 2. The 24-year-old driver, whose identity remains undisclosed, was shot in the back by Reilly when he stopped outside the official’s home after his phone died.
The video footage, initially obtained by News12, shows Reilly stepping out of his front door and firing multiple shots at the delivery driver’s car as he approached different homes in the wooded neighborhood seeking directions. After firing a warning shot and shouting “Go!”, Reilly continued to shoot at the vehicle as it drove away, ultimately hitting the driver once in the back as he attempted to flee.
The driver, originally from West Africa, was captured on another neighbor’s doorbell camera pleading for help moments before the shooting. He later managed to drive himself home where he collapsed before being taken to the hospital for medical treatment. New York State Police confirmed that the driver was not engaged in any suspicious activity and was simply carrying out his job responsibilities as a food delivery worker.
The driver’s family recounted the terrifying ordeal he experienced at the hands of the official, stating that the driver was simply trying to deliver an order when Reilly confronted him and ultimately opened fire. Reilly, who is a federally licensed firearm dealer, has been charged with first-degree assault, second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, and criminal possession of a firearm. He was subsequently taken into custody and held on a $500,000 bond at Orange County Jail.
Despite the serious charges against him, Reilly has shown no intention of stepping down from his position as highway superintendent. Town of Chester Supervisor Brandon Holdridge emphasized that as an elected official, the Town Board does not have control over Reilly’s future in his current role. The investigation into the incident is being handled by New York State Police after the Chester Police Department recused itself from the case.
The disturbing events captured in the doorbell footage have sparked outrage and concern within the community, highlighting the need for accountability and justice in cases of unwarranted violence. The safety and well-being of essential workers, such as delivery drivers, must be prioritized to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
