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John Reilly, the highway superintendent in Chester, a town
nearly 60 miles (96 kilometers) north of Manhattan, was charged
Saturday with first degree assault and criminal possession of a
firearm.
State Police say the DoorDash driver had been attempting to
deliver food to a residence in Reilly's neighborhood on Friday
night when he became lost and unable to navigate using the app.
They say the driver approached several homes asking for
directions before arriving at 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.
The 48 year old, who is also a federally licensed firearms
dealer, was remanded to the Orange County Jail in lieu of
$250,000 cash, $500,000 bond, or $750,000 partially secured
bond, according to police. A preliminary hearing is scheduled
for May 9 in the Town of Chester Court.
No one answered Reilly’s office number late Monday, and it could
not be immediately determined if he has a lawyer.
The case was not yet listed on state court’s online database and
spokespersons for the Orange County District Attorney’s office
didn’t respond to an email seeking comment.
Chester Town Supervisor Brandon Holdridge, in a statement posted
on Facebook, said he and the town board were “deeply troubled”
by the incident and wished the driver a "full and healthy
recovery.”
But he noted that the town government does not have control over
Reilly's future, as he is an elected highway superintendent, and
the local police department has recused itself from the
investigation because it involves a town official.
A spokesperson for DoorDash wrote in an email that the company
was “devastated by this senseless act of violence” and wished
the driver, who has not been named publicly, 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.”
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