Police in Georgia’s oldest city are searching for a suspect in a chemical attack on a woman near Savannah’s Forsyth Park Wednesday night.
Ashley Wasielewski suffered third degree burns in the attack, which took place just before 8 p.m. when a man approached her from behind and poured an unknown chemical on her. Police say she did not know her attacker.
A neighbor told WJCL they heard screams and ran outside to find Wasielski on the ground with her clothing partially melted. Even her keys, the neighbor said, appeared damaged by the corrosive chemical.
Wasielski underwent surgery at the Augusta Burn Center after the attack and will need skin grafts, doctors say.
Police say they have not made any arrests and have not identified a suspect, but they released a surveillance image of a man they say was in the area around the time of the attack and asked anyone who might recognize him to contact them.
“He is not currently a suspect in any crime,” police said.
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.
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[Featured image: Ashley Wasielewski/GoFundMe]