Georgia mom fighting for life after acid attack ambush as FBI, police search for assailant

A Georgia woman is enduring a challenging recovery journey after half of her body was severely burned in what authorities describe as an “unprovoked acid attack.” Meanwhile, police are intensively searching for the person responsible.

The FBI’s Atlanta Field Office, in collaboration with the Savannah Police Department (SPD), reported that 46-year-old Ashley Wasielewski was attacked while making her way back to her residence near Forsyth Park. This historic district location is known for its sprawling 30-acre park. A man reportedly approached her from behind and doused her with acid.

The attack took place at approximately 8:15 p.m. on December 10. Authorities are on the lookout for a suspect described as an unknown male dressed in dark clothing.

Ashley Wasielewski at the beach holding a dog in an undated photo

According to SPD, the incident unfolded as Wasielewski returned home, with the assailant throwing a corrosive substance in her face. This disturbing event occurred in the evening hours of December 10, 2025. (Source: GoFundMe)

Upon arriving at the scene, police discovered Wasielewski’s clothing, along with her car keys, had been severely damaged by the acid. Witnesses recounted that her screams during the attack were harrowing.

“We have no idea who could have done this,” her son, Westley Wasielewski, shared with The Associated Press. “She has no known enemies and is genuinely well-liked by everyone.”

According to a verified GoFundMe organized for Wasielewski, the attack left the mother with severe burns “covering over 50% of her body.” She was transported to the Augusta Burn Center for treatment.

Ashley Wasielewski recovers from injuries with bandages on her face

In this photo provided by Connor Milam, Ashley Wasielewski sits with bandages in a hospital bed in Augusta, Ga., Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, after witnesses said she suffered severe burns when an unknown attacker poured a corrosive chemical over her head at a public park in Savannah.  (Connor Milam via AP)

A photo of Wasielewski showed the Georgia woman in bandages while receiving treatment in a hospital.

Wasielewski, the GoFundMe said, is stable but faces a long recovery, requiring specialized burn treatment, skin grafts and long-term follow-up support.

The FBI’s Atlanta branch announced a $5,000 reward Monday for any information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for the attack.

On Tuesday, Savannah Mayor Van Johnson said investigators have identified and are interviewing a “person of interest” seen in a widely circulated image following the attack.

The mayor said the individual in the image, dubbed the “Bugs Bunny guy” because of a black hoodie with a Bugs Bunny image, has been identified and came in voluntarily. Johnson said the person was not detained and has not been designated a suspect.

A FBI poster requesting information for the acid attack in Savannah, Georgia

The FBI Atlanta is offering $5,000 for tips leading to information about the person who allegedly poured acid on a 46-year-old woman in Savannah, Ga.  (FBI Atlanta Field Office)

SPD confirmed to Fox News Digital that, as of Tuesday afternoon, they were canvassing the area to compile doorbell video footage immediately following the attack.

Police Chief Lenny Gunther said detectives have been working around the clock and are reviewing video, following leads and interviewing witnesses.

“We have no evidence that this is part of a larger pattern or that there is an ongoing threat to the public,” Gunther said.

Johnson said the attack has shaken the community, and authorities have increased patrols in city parks out of an abundance of caution.

“Let me be clear: This kind of violence has no place in Savannah,” Johnson said in a statement.

A view of Savannah’s Forsyth Park

Savannah’s Forsyth Park (Google Maps)

The FBI and Savannah Police Department have established a digital tip line for photos and videos that may aid in the investigation here.

Anyone with information about the attack is urged to contact the Savannah Police Department at 912-234-2020 or the FBI’s toll-free tip line at 1-800-225-5324.

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