A Seattle woman was walking to a nearby 7-Eleven during her work break when a confrontation with a stranger turned into a violent attack that left her with a serious facial injury, according to police.
The incident happened around 3:45 p.m. on Sept. 18 near Third Avenue and Marion Street in downtown Seattle. Police said 36-year-old Diana Gonzalez was approached by another woman, later identified as 36-year-old Kamilia Chadli.
According to police, Chadli threw a food wrapper at Gonzalez as she walked past. When Gonzalez questioned her, Chadli allegedly began shouting racial and homophobic slurs before spitting at her.
The confrontation then became physical. Police said Chadli grabbed Gonzalez and pulled her to the ground before biting her forehead. The bite removed a roughly one-inch piece of flesh, leaving Gonzalez with a significant wound.
A witness intervened during the struggle and later followed Chadli as she fled. The witness was able to alert a King County law enforcement officer near the courthouse, helping police locate and arrest her.
Gonzalez was taken to Harborview Medical Center for treatment. She later underwent a skin graft and is expected to need additional medical procedures for the injury, according to reports from her court hearing.
Suspect ordered to undergo mental health evaluation
Chadli was charged with second-degree assault and remains in custody on $150,000 bail.
During a court appearance on Sept. 28, Chadli’s attorney requested a competency evaluation. King County Superior Court Judge Nelson Lee approved the request, and the case was scheduled to return to court on Oct. 13.
The court’s decision followed information presented by Chadli’s defense attorney about her condition and conversations with her client. Court documents also reference previous police contacts involving Chadli.
The legal case currently centers on the second-degree assault charge. Authorities have also examined whether the incident could qualify as a hate crime because of the alleged slurs used during the confrontation. Prosecutors have said a hate-crime charge could be added later if the available evidence meets the required legal standard.
Victim says the attack has changed her daily life
Gonzalez has described the incident as a random attack that has left both physical and emotional effects.
In recent comments, she said she has experienced anxiety since the assault and has been dealing with the reality of needing further treatment for an injury to her face.
She has also started a fundraising campaign to help with expenses connected to her recovery.
The case remains pending, with Chadli due back in court Oct. 13. No conviction has been entered, and the allegations against her have not been proven in court.
