AUGUSTA -A China woman is facing charges after allegedly striking a stranger as she dined at a Western Avenue restaurant Thursday.

Arlene Edson, 24, has been charged with assault and violating conditions of her release, Augusta police Sgt. Chris Massey.

Edson was taken to MaineGeneral Medical Center in Augusta to be checked out before she was taken to the Kennebec County jaill, Massey said.

The incident occurred shortly after 5 p.m., as Edson was exiting the rest room at Applebees. She approached a couple eating their meal and assaulted the female, Massey said.

"They didn't know each other," Massey said. "They were strangers."

Edson was restrained by others in the restaurant until police arrived.

The female patron sustained minor injuries but was not taken to the hospital. Edson was not injured.

Massey said the assault was a random act.

"The motive behind the assault is not clearly known," Massey said.