Alexandria Diaz was charged with three counts of assault with a deadly weapon for attacking three victims on Oct. 14, including former ‘Survivor’ contestant Michelle Yi.
The incident took place at 2nd St. and Arizona Ave. at around 6 a.m. when Yi was opening up the Pilates Platinum studio where she teaches. According to SMPD Public Information Officer Rudy Flores, Diaz struck Yi with a metal pipe and poked her with a reciprocating saw blade.
Yi suffered a one inch laceration to her right eyebrow area after being struck by the pipe and drove herself to a local hospital for treatment. The other two victims sustained scratches to their face and head and declined medical treatment.
An SMPD investigation identified the attacker as Alexandria Diaz, who was listed as a missing person in the Fresno area.
Yi is a 37-year old Asian American, who competed on the 2007 season of Survivor set in Haiti.
“There is no indication whatsoever that this was a hate crime,” said Flores. “Unfortunately, the suspect suffers from mental illness and it appears she was off her medication.”
Officers initially responded to a disturbance of the peace radio call reporting a woman carrying a baton and striking calls. Upon arriving on scene, officers witnessed Diaz striking a male victim with two hollow metal pipes and immediately took her into custody.
The Los Angeles District Attorney’s officer filed three counts of assault with a deadly weapon against Diaz on Oct. 18.
Anyone with additional information pertaining to this incident is strongly encouraged to contact the Criminal Investigations Division at 310-458-8451 or the Santa Monica Department’s Watch Commander (24 hours) at 310-458-8427.
Clara@smdp.com