After a lost delivery driver approached his house seeking directions, an elected official in a Hudson Valley town ended up being arrested for shooting and injuring the driver.
The accused, John Reilly, serves as the Chester highway superintendent and holds a license as a gun dealer. He is facing charges of first-degree assault and criminal possession of a firearm, as confirmed by the New York State Police.
According to police reports, the incident unfolded when a DoorDash driver found himself lost around 10 p.m. on a Friday while attempting to make a food delivery in Reilly’s neighborhood. Unable to rely on the navigation app, the driver went door-to-door asking for help until he reached Reilly’s residence.
“Reilly told the victim to get off his property, before firing multiple shots at the victim as he attempted to leave in his vehicle, striking the victim once in the back, causing serious physical injuries,” state police said.
Reilly, 48, was arraigned on two criminal possession charges and one assault charge and ordered held in lieu of $250,000 cash, a $500,000 bond, or a $750,000 partially secured bond. A preliminary hearing is set for Friday.
Chester town Supervisor Brandon Holdridge posted a statement to the town’s Facebook page, saying that he and the board were “deeply troubled by what has been reported so far.”
“The Town of Chester is not taking any position on any investigation or legal proceeding,” he wrote. “The investigation is being conducted by NYS Police. Chester PD recused themselves from this as it involves a Town of Chester official.”
Holdridge also said that the town “does not have control over Mr. Reilly’s future as High Superintendent” because he is an elected official.
A spokesperson for Door Dash told The Associated Press that the company is “devastated by this senseless act of violence” and wished the driver a “full and speedy” recovery.”
“No one should ever fear for their safety just for trying to make deliveries in their neighborhood,” the statement read. “We’ll continue to work closely with law enforcement as they investigate this tragic incident.”
An update on the condition of the driver, who was not named, was not provided.
