Woman Severely Burned by Unknown Chemical in Attack by Random Stranger at Park

A woman is recovering in the hospital after being attacked with an unknown chemical substance at a park in Georgia.

Ashley Wasielewski, 46, was walking in Forsyth Park in Savannah when a man poured a corrosive chemical on her on Wednesday, Dec. 10, the Savannah Police Department (SPD) said at a press conference, per WTOC.

“She immediately ran across the street and EMS and police were called by someone in the area and we responded,” said SPD Chief Lenny Gunther.

Gunther said that the “corrosive substance” used in the attack is being inspected. Police are currently unsure if there was any relationship between the victim and the suspect. 

Wasielewski is receiving treatment for second and third-degree burns at a burn center in Augusta, having suffered injuries to her scalp, face, hands and legs in the incident, the Associated Press reported.

Wasielewski’s son, Westley, told AP that she had gone to Forsyth Park to walk laps after attending a Christmas program at a nearby church. He received a phone call from a bystander who rushed to help his mom following the attack, in which he could hear her screaming in pain.

Wasielewski suffered severe burns to over 50% of her body, according to a GoFundMe.

“Ashley experienced a life-altering tragedy from a malicious and unprovoked acid attack that resulted in unimaginable pain,” fundraiser organizer Kristen Oddi wrote. “This horrific act has not only altered the course of her life physically, but has placed an extreme and unforeseen emotional and financial burden on her.”

Oddi said Wasielewski is set to undergo emergency medical treatments, skin grafts and surgeries to treat her burns.

The GoFundMe page has currently raised over $27,000 with a goal of $50,000 towards Wasielewski’s medical care, rehabilitation and occupational therapy.

“In the weeks and months ahead, she will require extensive ongoing care — specialized burn treatments, rehabilitation, occupational therapy, wound management, long-term support/follow-up that is medically necessary for her recovery,” Oddi wrote on GoFundMe.

The SPD has released CCTV images of a man wearing a black hoodie and dark jeans on Facebook amid their investigation. He has not been named a suspect at this time.

“Our first priority is the well-being of the victim, and our detectives are working around the clock to determine exactly what happened,” said Gunther, per KBTX. “While this was a disturbing incident, we want to reassure our community that we are actively investigating and have increased patrols in our parks out of an abundance of caution.”

The SPD is asking anyone who knows the identity of the man of interest or anything about the incident to contact CrimeStoppers at 912-234-2020 or submit an anonymous tip through the SPD app.