NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – A woman was indicted on Monday for allegedly pepper spraying a 45-year-old Uber driver in an anti-Muslim attack on the Upper East Side in July, according to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.
Jennifer Guilbeault, 23, is charged with assault as a hate crime and aggravated harassment.
According to court documents, on July 31, at around 12:15 a.m., the Uber driver was completing a ride for Guilbeault and another individual seated in the back of his car.
As the driver approached a red light near East 65th Street and Lexington Avenue on the Upper East Side, he began praying in Arabic, according to prosecutors. Guilbeault then allegedly lunged forward from the back seat, holding a can of pepper spray, and sprayed the driver in the face, causing burning, redness, and pain.
A few minutes later, the driver called 911, and Guilbeault was arrested at the scene.
“As alleged, Jennifer Guilbeault senselessly assaulted a Muslim Uber driver while he was just doing his job,” Bragg said. “The victim is a hardworking New Yorker who should not have to face this type of hate because of his identity. Everyone is welcome to live and work in Manhattan, and our Hate Crimes Unit will continue to address bias-motivated attacks by thoroughly investigating and prosecuting cases, conducting community outreach, and supporting victims.”