A woman sustained severe burns when an unidentified individual attacked her with a corrosive substance while she was walking in a public park. Ashley Wasielewski, 46, was at Forsyth Park in Savannah when the incident occurred around 8.16 pm on Wednesday. The park is a popular green space in the historic city, frequented by runners, picnickers, children playing, and tourists.
According to Savannah police, Ashley was targeted by a stranger in the attack, and the perpetrator’s identity remains unknown as authorities continue their search. She is currently undergoing treatment for second- and third-degree burns at a burn center in Augusta, with injuries covering nearly half of her body, including her scalp, face, hands, and legs, as confirmed by her son, Westley Wasielewski.
Describing the harrowing incident, Westley mentioned that his mother was walking in the park after attending a Christmas program at a nearby church when she was assaulted. He received a distressing call from a bystander who witnessed the attack and could hear his mother’s screams of pain over the phone.
From her hospital bed, Ashley recounted that she noticed a shadow approaching her from behind as she walked along the park’s perimeter. Before she could react, the assailant poured liquid over her head, causing immediate burning sensations and severe damage to her skin and clothing.
Savannah police, in collaboration with the FBI, are investigating the attack to identify the chemical used. The substance was so potent that it melted the key fob to Ashley’s car that was in her possession during the assault. Despite increased patrols at parks in Savannah following the incident, no arrests have been made as of Friday.
Authorities released a security camera image of a person of interest wearing a dark hoodie with a large cartoon rabbit emblem, emphasizing that the individual is not currently a suspect in any crime. The Mayor of Savannah, Van Johnson, assured the public of the police department’s swift response to the case while stating that there is no indication of a broader threat.
Although not named by police, Ashley’s son and a close friend, Connor Milam, shared her desire to raise awareness about the attack, hoping for information that could lead to the perpetrator’s apprehension. Milam described Ashley as a compassionate individual who dedicated her time to volunteering and helping the less fortunate, expressing shock and disbelief at the senseless act of violence perpetrated against her.