Woman arrested after biting victim's face in Downtown Seattle attack: police
SEATTLE - A 36-year-old woman required emergency surgery and was left with permanent injuries following a violent, bias-motivated attack in Downtown Seattle on Sept. 18.
Officers responded to a 911 call around 3:45 p.m. near 3rd Avenue and Marion Street, where they located a woman suffering from significant bleeding and a large, open wound on her forehead.
According to police reports, the victim was walking to a nearby convenience store during her workday when an unfamiliar woman threw a food wrapper at her. When the victim questioned the gesture, the suspect yelled, "You're the inferior race," uttered a homophobic slur, spat on her, and tackled her to the ground. During the struggle, the suspect bit out a 1-inch piece of flesh from the victim's forehead before fleeing the scene.
What we know:
A nearby worker witnessed the assault and attempted to intervene. As the suspect fled on foot, the witness pursued her and alerted a King County Marshal stationed near the courthouse.
Seattle Police Officers apprehended a 36-year-old female suspect after the victim positively identified her. Investigators recovering evidence at the scene located the victim's flesh inside a drainage grate where the suspect had allegedly spat it.
The victim was transported to a local hospital for emergency treatment and reconstructive surgery.
What's next:
The case has been referred to the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. Prosecutors are reviewing charges for felony assault and a hate crime offense. The suspect remains in custody pending formal arraignment and bail proceedings.
The Source: Information in this story came from the Seattle Police Department's blotter and incident reports provided by the Seattle Police Department and King County law enforcement authorities.
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