A local government official in New York was reportedly caught on camera shooting at a DoorDash delivery driver, who was only seeking directions. The incident led to the arrest of the town official while the delivery driver was hospitalised.
The recent incident was filmed on the Ring Camera of John Reilly, the highway superintendent of Chester. The 24-year-old delivery driver became disoriented while attempting to locate the correct address for a food drop-off in the town, which is located roughly 50 miles north of Manhattan.
The driver reportedly went to multiple nearby houses and asked for directions, per police reports. He also sought assistance at Reilly’s home, but his presence was unwelcome.
Police said Reilly, a 48-year-old federally licensed firearms dealer, told the driver to leave his property when the DoorDash driver came to his door. The man returned to his vehicle to comply, but Reilly acted violently.
The footage shows Reilly exiting his home armed, and he fires a stray warning shot before pointing his gun in the direction of the leaving vehicle. Authorities said Reilly allegedly fired multiple shots in his direction, and one of the bullets struck the victim in the back as he attempted to drive away.
The DoorDash driver, whose name has not yet been released, sustained critical injuries and was hospitalised. A report confirmed that he was last known to be stable.
Following his arrest, Reilly is now facing multiple felony charges, including first-degree assault and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon. Reilly is being held at the Orange County Jail.
Responding to the incident, DoorDash sent well wishes to the driver and described it as a “senseless act of violence” that has left the establishment “ devastated”. Chester Town Supervisor Brandon Holdridge also responded to the gun violence, saying that it left the town board feeling “deeply troubled”.
