(CNN) – A New York woman has been charged with hate crimes after she allegedly pepper-sprayed a Muslim Uber driver while he was praying, according to the Manhattan district attorney’s office.

Jennifer Guilbeault, 23, was charged Monday with multiple hate crime charges after she allegedly pepper-sprayed a 45-year-old Uber driver as he began to pray in Arabic . according to a press release from the prosecutor.

Guilbeault rushed to the driver’s seat and sprayed his face with pepper spray, causing pain and burning sensations, while the driver began to pray, officials said, citing court documents and statements made in court. The attack took place on July 31 in Manhattan’s Upper East Side near Central Park – the intersection of East 65th Street and Lexington Avenue, the statement said.

Mahmud later called 911 and Guilbeault was arrested. She was formally charged by the state Supreme Court and is due back for a court appearance in January. Her attorney, Michael J. Alber, did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

“As they say, Jennifer Guilbeault senselessly assaulted a Muslim Uber driver while he was just doing his job. The victim is a hard-working New Yorker who shouldn’t have to face this kind of hate because of his identity. Everyone is welcome to live and work in Manhattan,” said Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.

Charges against Guilbeault include one count each of second-degree hate crime assault, third-degree hate crime assault and second-degree aggravated harassment.

CNN has reached out to the NYPD for comment.

Bragg emphasized Manhattan’s commitment to inclusivity and the Hate Crimes Unit’s ongoing efforts to combat bias-motivated violence.