Seattle, Washington — A 36-year-old woman is recovering from permanent injuries after police say a stranger attacked her on a downtown street, made an alleged racist remark and bit a chunk of flesh from her forehead.
The victim, who identified herself as Diana Gonzalez, told police she was walking to a convenience store near her workplace on the afternoon of Sept. 18 when the confrontation began. According to the Seattle Police Department, a woman allegedly threw a food wrapper at Gonzalez as she walked past.
Gonzalez told police she asked the woman why she had thrown the wrapper. What happened next quickly escalated into a violent attack.
Police Say Argument Turned Into Violent Assault
According to a Seattle Police Department press release, the woman allegedly responded to Gonzalez by saying, “You’re the inferior race,” before directing a homophobic slur at her.
Police allege the woman then stood up, spit on Gonzalez and grabbed her before pulling her to the ground. The department said:
“The woman then stood up and spit on the victim before grabbing her and pulling her to the ground.”
The confrontation became even more violent after the two women fell to the ground.
Police allege the suspect bit Gonzalez’s forehead hard enough to remove a piece of flesh approximately one inch in diameter, causing significant bleeding.
A witness who was nearby reportedly saw the attack and intervened in an attempt to separate the two women.
Witness Helped Police Locate the Suspect
After the alleged attack, police said the suspect ran from the scene. The witness reportedly followed the woman and eventually flagged down a King County Marshal working at the nearby courthouse.
Responding Seattle police officers then arrived and found evidence of the violent encounter. According to police, officers discovered a “bloody sidewalk” along with a piece of Gonzalez’s flesh that the suspect allegedly spit into a nearby grate.
Gonzalez was taken to a local hospital for medical treatment. Police said the injuries were serious enough to leave her with permanent damage and a need for surgery.
Victim Calls Attack “Totally Random”
Gonzalez later spoke publicly about the incident in an interview. She described the encounter as a “totally random attack” and said she was still struggling to understand what happened.
“I can’t believe she bit a piece of my face off,” she told the outlet. “That’s the main thing that is still shocking. I can’t believe it.”
The incident has left Gonzalez facing not only the physical consequences of the attack but also the prospect of surgery as she works toward recovery.
Suspect Arrested and Held on $150,000 Bail
Seattle police arrested the 36-year-old suspect, who was identified in charging documents as Kamilia Chadli.
Police initially described the alleged attack as a hate crime assault based on the statements they say were made during the confrontation.
Chadli is being held on $150,000 bail after being charged with felony second-degree assault, according to the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
However, prosecutors have drawn a distinction between the alleged circumstances surrounding the attack and the charge currently filed. The prosecutor’s office told that:
“based on the currently available evidence, prosecutors determined Assault in the Second Degree is the crime that can be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.”
Tennessee Woman Sues Funeral Home After Allegedly Finding Brain Matter in Husband’s Clothing
The office also said a hate crime charge could potentially be added later if the evidence meets the burden required under Washington state law.
Court Hearing Scheduled for Sept. 28
Chadli is scheduled to appear in court for her arraignment on Sept. 28. It remains unclear whether she has entered a plea or retained an attorney who can speak publicly on her behalf.
The case is expected to receive further scrutiny as prosecutors review the available evidence and the court proceedings move forward.
For Gonzalez, however, the consequences of the alleged attack are already lasting.
What do you think about this disturbing incident in downtown Seattle? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let us know how you think cases involving alleged hate-motivated attacks should be handled.
