A woman sustained severe burns when an unidentified individual poured a corrosive substance on her head while she was strolling through a public park. The incident occurred in Forsyth Park in Savannah, a popular green space in the historic city, at approximately 8:16 pm on a Wednesday evening.
The victim, identified as Ashley Wasielewski, 46, was apparently targeted by a stranger according to Savannah police. The authorities are actively investigating the case to apprehend the attacker, whose identity remains unknown.
Ashley is currently receiving treatment for second- and third-degree burns at a burn center in Augusta, as confirmed by her son, Westley Wasielewski. The burns cover about half of her body, including her scalp, face, hands, and legs.
Westley recounted that his mother was walking in the park after attending a Christmas program at a nearby church when the attack took place. He was informed about the incident by a bystander who rushed to assist his mother, during which he could hear her cries of pain over the phone.
Describing the assault, a close friend named Connor Milam mentioned that Ashley noticed a shadow approaching from behind before the unknown assailant poured a liquid over her head, causing her skin to burn immediately. The substance was so corrosive that it even melted the key fob to Ashley’s car that she had in her pocket.
The Savannah Police Department, in collaboration with the FBI, is working to identify the chemical used in the attack. Despite increased police presence at parks in Savannah, no arrests have been made yet. Authorities have released a security camera image of a person of interest wearing a dark hoodie with a large cartoon rabbit on the front, emphasizing that he is not currently a suspect in any crime.
Savannah Mayor Van Johnson expressed concern over the incident but assured the public that there is no evidence of a broader threat. The victim, Ashley Wasielewski, along with her family and friends, is seeking justice by sharing her story in the hope that it leads to the apprehension of the perpetrator.
Friends of Ashley described her as a compassionate individual who dedicated her time to volunteering and helping the less fortunate. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, leaving those who know Ashley shocked and perplexed by the senseless act of violence.
