Woman, 46, Severely Burned by Unknown Chemical in Attack by Random Stranger at Georgia Park

A 46-year-old woman is recovering in the hospital after a stranger allegedly doused her with a corrosive chemical while she was out for a walk in a Georgia park.

Ashley Wasielewski was walking in Forsyth Park in Savannah on Wednesday, Dec. 10, when a man approached and poured a chemical substance on her, 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,” SPD Chief Lenny Gunther said.

Investigators described the material as a “corrosive substance” and said it is currently being tested. Police have not yet determined whether Wasielewski knew her attacker or if the assault was completely random.

Wasielewski is being treated for second- and third-degree burns at a burn center in Augusta after suffering injuries to her scalp, face, hands and legs, the Associated Press reported. Her son, Westley, told AP that she had gone to Forsyth Park to walk laps after attending a Christmas program at a nearby church. He said he received a call from a bystander who rushed to help his mother and could hear her screaming in pain in the background.

According to a GoFundMe, Wasielewski sustained severe burns to more than 50% of her body.

“Ashley experienced a life-altering tragedy from a malicious and unprovoked acid attack that resulted in unimaginable pain,” organizer Kristen Oddi wrote on the fundraising page. “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 will need emergency medical care, including skin grafts and multiple surgeries to treat her burns.

The GoFundMe has raised more than $27,000 toward its $50,000 goal to help cover medical bills, rehabilitation and occupational therapy. “In the weeks and months ahead, she will require extensive ongoing care — specialized burn treatments, rehabilitation, occupational therapy, wound management, [and] long-term support/follow-up that is medically necessary for her recovery,” Oddi wrote.

As the investigation continues, the SPD has shared CCTV images on Facebook of a man wearing a black hoodie and dark jeans. He is currently considered a person of interest and has not been officially named as a suspect.

“Our first priority is the well-being of the victim, and our detectives are working around the clock to determine exactly what happened,” Gunther said, 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 recognizes the man or has information about the attack to contact CrimeStoppers at 912-234-2020 or submit an anonymous tip through the SPD app.