Authorities in Georgia’s historic city of Savannah are actively seeking a suspect involved in a chemical assault on a woman near Forsyth Park on Wednesday evening.
The victim, Ashley Wasielewski, sustained severe third-degree burns when a man unexpectedly attacked her from behind, dousing her with an unidentified chemical. Police report that Wasielewski was unfamiliar with her assailant.
According to a neighbor who spoke with WJCL, they heard distressing screams and rushed outside to find Wasielewski on the ground, her clothes partially disintegrated. The corrosive substance had even damaged her keys.
Following the attack, Wasielewski was taken to the Augusta Burn Center, where she underwent surgery and will require future skin grafts, according to medical professionals.
As of now, police have not apprehended anyone or identified a suspect. They have, however, disseminated a surveillance image of a man spotted in the vicinity at the time of the incident, urging anyone with information about him to reach out to the authorities.
Police clarified, “He is not currently a suspect in any crime.”
Savannah Police Assistant Chief Robert Gavin told WSAV, however, that investigator do have a person of interest and that there is no threat to the public.
Police Chief Lenny Gunther said he was increasing patrols in the city’s parks and other public areas while the investigation continues.
