A town official in New York state has been arrested, charged with shooting a DoorDash driver who approached his home after getting lost during an order delivery, authorities said.
John J. Reilly, highway superintendent for Chester in Orange County, was charged Saturday with first-degree assault and criminal possession of a firearm. Chester is in New York’s Hudson Valley, about 65 miles north of New York City.
Why It Matters
While gun violence against delivery drivers is relatively rare in America, there were more than 48,000 firearm-related deaths in the United States in 2022, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). That means roughly 132 people died from firearm-related injuries each day.
Violence against delivery drivers could make gig economy jobs seen as more dangerous, exerting pressure on companies to bolster protections for drivers.
What To Know
The DoorDash driver, 24, whose name has not been released and is also a college student, had been attempting to deliver food in Reilly’s Valerie Drive neighborhood on Friday when he got lost and could no longer use the app for navigation, according to New York State Police, adding that the driver also approached other houses in search of directions before going to Reilly’s home.
After Reilly told the driver to get off his property, state police say, the suspect fired multiple shots as the driver attempted to leave. The DoorDash worker was shot in the back and faces serious injuries. He had at least one surgery after being transported to Garnet Health in Wallkill, according to Mid Hudson News.
Newsweek reached out to the town of Chester and DoorDash for comment via email on Tuesday.
Reilly, 48, a federally licensed firearms dealer, is being detained in the Orange County Jail in lieu of $500,000 bond, reported Mid Hudson News. A preliminary hearing is set for 9 a.m. Friday in the Town of Chester Court.
Local station News12 reported that the victim had moved to New York six months ago from West Africa and had worked for DoorDash for a month. He was also studying English at SUNY Orange Community College in Middletown.
What People Are Saying
New York State Police, per the Associated Press: “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.”
Chester Town Supervisor Brandon Holdridge said in a statement posted on Facebook: “We are deeply troubled by what has been reported so far. We hope the person who was injured in the incident makes a full and healthy recovery.
The Town of Chester is not taking any position on any investigation or legal proceeding… As an elected official, the Town Board does not have control over Mr. Reilly’s future as Highway Superintendent.”
A spokesperson for DoorDash told Newsweek: “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. We’ll continue to work closely with law enforcement as they investigate this tragic incident.”
What Happens Next
Reilly’s preliminary hearing is set for Friday. The Bureau of Criminal Investigation will be probing the shooting alongside the Orange County District Attorney’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
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