A shocking video of an unprovoked pepper spray attack on an Uber driver in Manhattan has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation. The disturbing incident, which took place on Tuesday night, is under investigation by authorities.
The footage, captured on Lexington Avenue and East 65th Street around 11:20 p.m., shows Jennifer Guilbeault and another woman in the back seat of an Uber vehicle. Without warning, Ms. Guilbeault sprays the driver in the eyes with pepper spray while he is engaged in a phone conversation. The driver, visibly distressed, attempts to escape the vehicle as Ms. Guilbeault releases a second burst of pepper spray. Her companion, clearly shocked, can be heard urging her to stop.
Following the attack, the Uber driver declined medical attention for his eye discomfort. Ms. Guilbeault was arrested at approximately 12:45 a.m. the following day and charged with third-degree assault, a misdemeanor. She received a desk appearance ticket and was released pending a court appearance.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear, and police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. Uber has responded by permanently banning Ms. Guilbeault from their platform. A company spokesperson condemned the attack, stating, “The rider’s actions shown in the video are deplorable. Violence is not tolerated, and the rider has been banned from the Uber platform. We will support police in their investigation however we can.”
The New York City Taxi & Limousine Commission (TLC) also voiced strong disapproval of the incident. TLC Commissioner David Do emphasized the severity of the attack, saying, “Violence against our city’s drivers, who work tirelessly to provide essential services and earn a living, is utterly unacceptable and deeply disturbing. We urge anyone who witnesses or experiences such behavior to report it immediately to the NYPD.”
Sources By Agencies
