In the wake of a disturbing incident in Savannah, Mayor Van Johnson has confirmed that although a person of interest is currently being questioned by police, they have not yet been labeled as a suspect. This clarification comes amidst a climate of heightened public concern following the attack.
As reported by 11Alive, a local partner of First Coast News, authorities are actively interviewing this individual. Mayor Johnson emphasized the importance of understanding the distinction between a suspect and a person of interest, noting that the latter could simply be someone present in the vicinity, a potential witness, or someone possessing crucial information. “We need to ensure we don’t unjustly target individuals; this is merely someone we wish to communicate with,” explained Mayor Johnson during a press briefing.
The case centers around the victim, identified as 46-year-old Ashley Wasielewski, who suffered injuries in what is being described as an “acid attack” in Savannah. In response to the gravity of the assault, the FBI’s Atlanta division has stepped in, announcing a reward for information that could lead to an arrest. This move underscores the urgency and seriousness with which law enforcement is treating the investigation.
“It’s important to note the difference between a suspect and a person of interest – a person of interest can be someone that might have been in the area, could be a person that was a witness, it could be a person that has relative information. It could be a suspect. And so I wanna make sure that we’re not demonizing someone, just someone we wanna talk to,” Savannah Mayor Van Johnson said while addressing the media.
The victim of the attack has been identified as 46-year-old Ashley Wasielewski.
FBI Atlanta announced Monday it is offering a reward for any information that can lead to an arrest after an “acid attack” in Savannah.
The FBI says that at 8:15 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 10, a woman was walking near W. Walburg St. and Whitaker St. in the Forsyth Park area before an “unknown male wearing dark clothing” approached her from behind and poured acid on her.
The woman is said to have suffered from severe burns.
The FBI encourages the public to share any information regarding this case by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or the Savannah Police Department at (912) 651-6675, or by submitting a tip online. A reward of up to $5,000 is offered for information that can lead to a potential arrest.
