A woman was seen on video pepper spraying an Uber driver in Manhattan late Tuesday night, according to the New York Post.
Jennifer Guilbeault, 23, is accused of pepper spraying the Uber driver. videoIt spread across social media platforms. RedditVideos posted to Instagram and YouTube show Guilbeault sitting in the back seat of a car as the 45-year-old driver was on the phone, before leaning over and allegedly splashing water directly into his face.
NEW YORK: A woman in a Manhattan car with another woman suddenly sprayed pepper spray in the eyes of a 45-year-old Uber driver.
While the driver was on the phone, Jennifer Guilbeau, 23, attacked him.
Guilbeault was arrested and charged with third-degree battery. pic.twitter.com/fVWj5jG80S
— Unlimited L (@unlimited_ls) August 2, 2024
The driver tried to defend himself but was thwarted by Guilbeault's arms and his passenger repeatedly yelling, “Jen, Jen, Jen!” After a struggle, the driver managed to get out of the car, but Guilbeault's friend continued to yell, “Jen, what! What have you done?” The video ends with the two women trying to leave the scene, with Guilbeault's friend urging her to pack her things.
BERLIN, GERMANY – NOVEMBER 23: The exterior of an Uber store in Berlin, Germany on November 23, 2022. (Photo by Jeremy Mohler/Getty Images)
Despite being assaulted, the driver refused medical treatment for eye discomfort. Guilbeault was arrested shortly after midnight on Wednesday and charged with third-degree assault, a misdemeanor, the New York Post reported. reportShe was subsequently released with a summons to appear in court at a later date to be charged. Authorities noted that Guilbeault has no prior arrests. (Related article: Woman allegedly kidnapped by fake Uber driver rescued by stranger at gas station after giving note)
The motive for the attack remains unclear. Uber permanently banned Guilbeault from its platform after the incident. An Uber spokesperson condemned the violence. “The behavior of the rider seen in the video is deplorable. Violence will not be tolerated. The rider has been removed from the Uber platform, and we will assist law enforcement with their investigation to the best of our ability,” an Uber spokesperson said in a statement, according to the New York Post.
