A woman in Georgia is recovering from serious injuries after being sprayed with a caustic substance during her evening walk in Savannah, officials and her family have reported.
Ashley Wasilewski, 46, was attacked near Forsyth Park on Wednesday around 8:15 p.m. Savannah’s Mayor Van Johnson mentioned that a stranger approached her and suddenly poured a substance over her.
“This kind of violence is unacceptable in Savannah,” Johnson said. “Our police department is treating this case with the greatest urgency.”
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Wasilewski is currently receiving treatment for second- and third-degree burns covering about half of her body—including her scalp, face, hands, and feet, as her son Westley shared with The Associated Press.
“We don’t know who did this,” Westley said. “She doesn’t have enemies. Everyone loves her.”
She was walking laps in the park after attending a church Christmas event when she sensed someone approaching from behind.
As she turned, the attacker poured liquid over her, her friend Connor Milam recounted for The Associated Press.
“She immediately asked, ‘Why are you throwing water on me?’ and then felt her skin burning,” Milam said. “Looking down, she saw her pants beginning to burn off. She started screaming.”
Authorities suspect the attacker was a stranger and are actively looking for suspects, according to reports. A security camera image of a person of interest wearing a dark hoodie has been released.
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Authorities are collaborating with the FBI to analyze the chemicals involved in this incident.
This incident raises serious concerns for public safety, but as of now, there’s no indication of an ongoing threat,” Johnson added.
