A shocking incident has occurred in Forsyth Park, Georgia, leaving a woman in critical condition. Ashley Wasielewski suffered severe burns to her face, neck, and scalp after a stranger launched an acid attack while she was enjoying a stroll in the park. The attack took place on Wednesday night when a black male approached Wasielewski from behind and poured a caustic substance on her.
The severity of the injuries, classified as third-degree burns, reflects the brutality of this act. Wasielewski is receiving treatment at Memorial Hospital in Augusta. Speaking to local news outlet WJCL, she expressed disbelief that such violence could happen in a place where she often walks in safety. “I walk around this park a lot, even at night,” she said. “You just don’t expect something like this to happen here.”
Law enforcement is currently seeking the public’s help to locate the suspect. Savannah Police have taken the unusual step of boosting patrols in city parks to reassure the public and deter similar incidents. Police Chief Lenny B. Gunther emphasized the commitment of his department to the safety of the community. “Our first priority is the well-being of the victim, and our detectives are working around the clock to determine exactly what happened,” he stated.
Gunther is urging anyone who was in Forsyth Park that night to come forward, particularly those who may have captured photos or videos that could aid in the investigation. Even the smallest detail could prove crucial for the detectives assigned to the case.
In a show of solidarity, Savannah Mayor Van Johnson expressed the city’s dedication to supporting the police as they pursue leads in the investigation. He noted that resources would be allocated to ensure a swift resolution to the crime. “City leadership is working closely to ensure SPD has every resource needed, from personnel to technology, to bring resolution to this case swiftly,” Johnson wrote in a Facebook post. The cooperation of the community is seen as essential in addressing this unsettling act of violence.
As the investigation unfolds, anxiety within the local community grows. Such attacks are deeply distressing, particularly in neighborhoods that are typically perceived as safe. With the suspect still at large, residents are left with lingering concerns over their safety while enjoying public spaces. The incident serves as a stark reminder of unpredictability in everyday life and the importance of community vigilance.
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