D.A. Bragg Announces Hate Crimes Indictment Of Woman For Pepper Spraying Uber Driver On The Upper East Side

"As alleged, Jennifer Guilbeault senselessly assaulted a Muslim Uber driver while he was just doing his job," said District Attorney Bragg. "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."

According to court documents and statements made on the record in court, on July 31, 2024, at approximately 12:15 a.m., the Uber driver was in the process of completing a ride for GUILBEAULT and another individual, who were seated in the back of his car. As the driver approached a red light on the Upper East Side, near East 65th Street and Lexington Avenue, he began praying in Arabic. GUILBEAULT lunged forward toward the driver's seat, holding a can of pepper spray. She 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.

If you or someone you know has been a victim or witness to a hate crime or bias incident, please call 911 or report it to our Office at 212-335-3100.

Assistant D.A.s Phillip Klindt (Trial Bureau 70) and Julia Hooks (Special Victims Division) are handling the prosecution of this case, under the supervision of Assistant D.A.s Constantine Coritsidis (Deputy Chief of the Hate Crimes Unit), Hannah Yu (Chief of the Hate Crimes Unit) and Executive D.A. Lisa DelPizzo (Chief of the Trial Division). Hate Crimes Investigative Analyst Julie Anne Lim is providing valuable assistance in the case.

D.A. Bragg thanked the NYPD, particularly Police Officer Katherine Rocha, Police Officer Richard Lee, and the 19th Precinct.

Defendant Information:

JENNIFER GUILBEAULT

New York, NY

Charged:

• Assault in the Second Degree as a Hate Crime, a class C felony, one count
• Assault in the Third Degree as a Hate Crime, a class E felony, one count
• Aggravated Harassment in the Second Degree, a class A misdemeanor, one count

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[1] The charges contained in the indictment are merely allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. All factual recitations are derived from documents filed in court and statements made on the record in court.