DoorDash Driver Pleads for Help After a NY Official Shoots Him for Asking Directions [WATCH]

A town official in Chester, New York, is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly shooting a DoorDash delivery driver who had stopped to ask for directions, as reported by The New York Post.

The incident occurred on May 2 outside the home of John J. Reilly III, 48, the elected highway superintendent for the Town of Chester.

NY town official John J. Reilly III shot lost DoorDash driver who knocked on his door looking for directions https://t.co/LXcimDhKjL pic.twitter.com/ONuYJPyCE6

— New York Post (@nypost) May 7, 2025

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Reilly, who is also a federally licensed firearms dealer, is accused of firing multiple shots at a 24-year-old delivery driver from West Africa after the man approached homes in the area seeking help due to a dead phone battery.

New York State Police said the delivery driver was not acting suspiciously and was simply attempting to locate a delivery address.

CHESTER SHOOTING: News 12 has obtained exclusive video showing the moments before a lost DoorDash driver was allegedly shot by an elected official in Orange County. https://t.co/YMKYcvxzlw#News12WC #Crime #Exclusive pic.twitter.com/RTyEiKKP05

— News12WC (@News12WC) May 5, 2025

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“There’s nothing to indicate the victim had any nefarious intentions; he’s just out there doing his job, trying to make a food delivery,” said Capt. Joseph Kolek during a press briefing.

Surveillance video obtained by News12 shows Reilly emerging from his house, firing a warning shot, and shouting “Go!” at the driver’s vehicle. He then fired additional shots as the car pulled away. One bullet struck the driver in the back.

A New York officer opened fire on a lost DoorDash driver, shooting him in the back and leaving him with life-threatening injuries. As a DoorDash driver you’re risking your life earning close to minimum wages. pic.twitter.com/rIGj1YsifA

— Human Nature (@Human101Nature) May 12, 2025

The wounded driver, according to police, had earlier approached a nearby home asking for help, stating, “I need help,” as captured on a neighbor’s doorbell camera.

He managed to drive himself home, where he collapsed. Emergency responders later transported him to a hospital.

A family member told reporters that the driver initially tried to deliver an order to Reilly’s residence but was told to leave. “He asked the guy, ‘Is this your order?’

The guy said, ‘No,’ and proceeds to say, ‘Get off my property.’ He walks away, he’s going about his day, going to his car, and the guy tries to murder him,” the family member said.

Reilly was arrested and charged with first-degree assault, second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, and criminal possession of a firearm. He is being held in Orange County Jail on a $500,000 bond.

Despite the charges, Reilly has not indicated any plans to resign. “As an elected official, the Town Board does not have control over Mr. Reilly’s future as highway superintendent,” Town of Chester Supervisor Brandon Holdridge said in a public statement.

The Chester Police Department has recused itself from the investigation, which is now being led by the New York State Police.

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