Woodside woman charged with hate crime in racist outburst caught on camera

The Queens Criminal Court building. Eagle photo by David Brand

By David Brand

A Woodside woman filmed throwing a glass bottle at a Black jogger while calling her the n-word was charged with aggravated assault as a hate crime Tuesday.

Lorena Delaguna, 53, was seen on video throwing the bottle and screaming slurs as the 37-year-old jogger passed the corner of 53rd Place and Broadway in Woodside on Aug. 17. Police released a month-old cell phone video of the bias attack in an effort to identify Delaguna. They announced her arrest on Sept. 21. 

She was arraigned before Queens Judge Jeffrey Gershuny Tuesday.

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

Delaguna’s attorney Samantha Diaz argued that throwing a bottle to the ground not demonstrate “harm” and said there was a “mental health component” to her client’s behavior, the Daily News reported.

Delaguna faces up to 7 years in prison if convicted.