Recorded attack on Black runner is charged as a hate crime

NEW YORK — A woman who was captured on video throwing a bottle at a Black runner in New York City and yelling a racial slur at her has been charged with attempted assault as a hate crime and aggravated harassment, authorities said Tuesday.

Lorena Delaguna, 53, was arraigned in Queens criminal court on charges stemming from the Aug. 17 confrontation with Tiffany Johnson.

“In addition to allegedly yelling the N-word, the defendant in this case is also accused of throwing a bottle in an attempt to strike the victim,” District Attorney Melinda Katz said in a written statement.

“Crimes like this, which are fueled by hate, are in a special category for a reason,” the statement read. “No one should have to endure being called a vile slur or being attacked simply because of the colour of their skin, their religion, or who they love.”

A message seeking comment was left with a Legal Aid attorney representing Delaguna.

Katz did not name the victim, but Johnson, 37, has identified herself as the person being accosted in a video that was recorded by a bystander and released by the Police Department last week.

“It’s a hate crime,” Johnson told the New York Post. “It’s not acceptable.”

Katz said that in addition to using the racial slur, Delaguna, of Woodside, Queens, followed the runner for a block and told her to “go back to Africa.”

The Associated Press