A violent stranger attack in downtown Seattle left a woman with permanent facial injuries after a 36-year-old suspect bit a one-inch chunk of flesh from her forehead following a racially charged confrontation.

Brutal Downtown Attack

On September 18 around 3:45 p.m., Seattle police responded to reports of a violent assault at the intersection of 3rd Avenue and Marion Street near a 7-Eleven. Officers found the victim with a large, bloody wound and missing flesh from her face. The attack began when suspect Kamilia Chadli threw a food wrapper at the victim as she walked past. When questioned about the action, Chadli yelled that the victim was “the inferior race” and hurled homophobic slurs before standing up and spitting on her.

Chadli then grabbed the victim and pulled her to the ground. While both women struggled on the pavement, the suspect sank her teeth into the victim’s forehead, creating a one-inch-diameter gash that tore away a chunk of flesh. A witness who saw the attack pulled Chadli off the victim and chased after her, successfully flagging down a King County Marshall at the nearby courthouse. The victim required hospitalization and faces surgery for permanent injuries sustained in the assault.

Charges and Criminal History

The King County Prosecutor’s Office charged Chadli with second-degree assault. While Seattle police initially booked her on hate crime and felony assault charges, prosecutors explained that hate crime charges may be added later if evidence meets the higher burden of proof required by state law. Chadli has no prior criminal record in King County, but prosecutors noted multiple recent police contacts related to mental health issues and substance use problems.

What This Means

The prosecutor’s office acknowledged the complexity of the case, stating that regardless of underlying mental health or substance abuse factors, the attack was extremely violent with likely permanent consequences for the victim. The incident highlights ongoing public safety concerns in downtown Seattle, where random attacks on pedestrians continue despite increased law enforcement presence. The case demonstrates how Washington state’s hate crime statutes require substantial evidence beyond offensive language, making such charges legally challenging even when racial slurs accompany violent acts.