Viral Video Captures Passenger Assaulting Uber Driver With Pepper Spray In New York | Watch Here

A deeply unsettling video has emerged online, revealing a shocking incident where a passenger attacked her Uber driver with pepper spray in Manhattan. The alarming event took place on Lexington Avenue and East 65th Street on Tuesday at around 11:20 p.m., as reported by the New York Post.

In the footage, Jennifer Guilbeault and another young woman are seen seated in the back of the ride-hailing vehicle. Without warning, Ms Guilbeault sprays the driver in the eyes with pepper spray while he is on a phone call.

Photo Credit: The Daily Speed X

The driver, overwhelmed by the sudden assault, attempts to escape the vehicle. However, Ms Guilbeault continues to spray him a second time. Her companion, clearly distressed by the chaos, can be heard shouting, "Jen, what the f-k! What did you do?" as the driver manages to exit the car.

After the attack, the driver chose not to seek medical treatment despite experiencing eye discomfort, according to authorities. Ms Guilbeault was apprehended around 12:45 a.m. on Wednesday and has been charged with third-degree assault, a misdemeanour. She was issued a desk appearance ticket, requiring her to appear in court at a future date, and was released.

The motive behind this unprovoked assault is still unknown, with police continuing to investigate the circumstances leading up to the incident.

In response to the attack, Uber has permanently banned Ms Guilbeault from their platform. An Uber spokesperson stated, "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) has also strongly condemned Ms Guilbeault's actions, reflecting the broader outrage over the incident.

TLC Commissioner David Do remarked, "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 behaviour to report it immediately to the NYPD."