Driver Shot in the Back While Making Delivery in Quiet NY Town

What began as a routine food delivery on a quiet street in upstate New York ended in gunfire — and now, a community is grappling with the fallout of a confrontation that escalated in an instant.

A Dasher, a Dead Phone, and a Knock at the Door

On the evening of May 2, 2025, a 24-year-old DoorDash driver, a recent immigrant from West Africa, found himself lost in the wooded residential areas of Chester, New York. His phone battery was nearly dead, and without GPS to guide him, he began approaching homes in search of directions.

At one house, a doorbell camera captured the driver knocking and briefly asking for help before moving on. The footage, described by officials as disturbing, also shows what happened next. The driver arrived at the home of 48-year-old John J. Reilly III, Chester's elected highway superintendent and a licensed firearms dealer. What followed is now the subject of a criminal investigation.

Warning Shot, Then Gunfire

According to New York State Police, Reilly allegedly told the driver to leave his property — then fired a warning shot. The video, reviewed by law enforcement and multiple outlets, shows Reilly stepping out of his home and yelling "Go!" before firing two more shots, one of which pierced the back of the driver's Toyota Corolla and struck him as he attempted to drive away, according to ABC 7 News.

The driver, severely injured, managed to drive home, where he collapsed. He was hospitalized and has undergone multiple surgeries. Police say the young man posed no threat, noting, according to the New York Post, "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."

Charges Filed, Questions Remain

Reilly was arrested on May 4 and charged with first-degree assault, second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, and criminal possession of a firearm. He was booked into Orange County Jail and later released after posting a $750,000 bond.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage from the driver's family and others in the community. The victim, who does not speak English, relied on GPS to make deliveries. His relatives said he was unfamiliar with the area and was trying to fulfill an order when he was shot. They also told local media that they want justice and are calling for Reilly's removal from office.

Chester Town Supervisor Brandon Holdridge, who initially issued a neutral statement, publicly expressed disbelief after reviewing the video. "I can't imagine what was going through minds in that scenario," he told ABC 7 News. "It's really just shock and disbelief."

A Town Official Under Fire — Literally and Politically

So far, Reilly has given no indication he plans to resign from his position as highway superintendent. Holdridge, along with State Senator James Skoufis and other officials, has called for Reilly's resignation, citing concerns over his ability to serve effectively amid the criminal proceedings. Because he is an elected official, local authorities cannot remove him without a formal resignation or conviction. An Orange County grand jury is currently considering whether to indict him.

Meanwhile, the New York State Police continue to lead the investigation after Chester's own police department recused itself from the case.

As for DoorDash, the company issued a statement reported by PEOPLE, saying, "No one should ever fear for their safety just for trying to make deliveries in their neighborhood. We're devastated by this senseless act of violence, and we're wishing the Dasher a full and speedy recovery."

A Routine Job Gone Terribly Wrong

The incident raises serious questions about fear, perception, and how quickly situations can spiral. A young man trying to do his job — delivering food on a nearly dead phone — was shot in the back while walking away. An official sworn to serve his town now faces felony charges. And a community is left shaken by the realization that a knock at the door could turn violent.

References: DoorDash Driver Knocked on His Door to Ask for Directions. Then He Opened Fire: Police | New Video Shows Interaction Between DoorDash Driver and Chester Highway Superintendent Who Shot Him | Harrowing Video Shows NY Town Official Open Fire on DoorDash Driver Who Stopped to Ask for Directions