Chester, New York – John J. Reilly, the 48-year-old highway superintendent, accused in serious charges. As we reported at the time, he went on to kill a DoorDash delivery driver who had gotten turned around in Valerie Drive development. On a typical Friday night, the 24-year-old African-born driver was in search of navigational assistance. He asked for assistance to finish his final delivery.
Reports indicate the driver targeted other homes in the neighborhood before arriving at Reilly’s home. As Reilly attempted to flee, he reportedly shot several rounds into the vehicle. One of the bullets hit the driver in the back. The driver survived life-threatening injuries but is not expected to survive any long-term injuries at this time. After the shooting, Reilly allegedly ordered the driver off his property.
JOHN J. REILLY, 58, of Dunmore, a federally licensed firearms dealer who is charged with numerous felonies. Among them are felonies like first-degree assault and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. His arrest Sunday by New York state police ultimately landed him in the expense of a misdemeanor.
Since the incident occurred, leaders in the community are calling for improved safety measures for the often victimized delivery drivers. A DoorDash spokesperson stated, “No one should ever fear for their safety just for trying to make deliveries in their neighborhood.”
Capt. Joseph Kolek, a spokesperson for local law enforcement, emphasized that there was no evidence suggesting the delivery driver had any malicious intentions. “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,” he remarked.
His mother, John J. Reilly, who moved with her family to the nearby town of Middletown just last month, is said to speak little to no English. The community has been left in shock by the shooting. Now, they are dealing with the consequences of a tragedy like that occurring in their own community.
While this case makes its way through the courts, local authorities are still piecing together the circumstances that preceded Rodriguez’s shooting. The charges against Reilly reflect a serious response to an event that has raised questions about both public safety and community relations.