Posted on 12/12/2025 8:13:21 PM PST by Drew68
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - A woman was critically injured and taken to a burn center after an aggravated assault involving acid Wednesday night, sources close to the investigation confirm.
Around 8:16 p.m., a woman was walking around Forsyth Park and a man hiding in the shadows near Whitaker St. suddenly came out and attacked the victim with an unknown chemical substance.
Sources close to the investigation say the liquid melted through the victim’s clothing and headphones.
The victim has been identified Ashley Wasielewski, according to sources close to her family.
First responders located and treated the victim on scene before transferring her to a local hospital. Wasielewski has now been transferred to a regional burn center for advanced treatment. Sources close to the family tell us the burn center is in Augusta.
We spoke with sources close to the family who were in the area Thursday, they told WTOC that Wasielewski is in stable condition, after sustaining second degree burns. Investigation continues
Savannah Police say based on their initial investigation the attacker was not known to the victim. Wasielewski is a Savannah resident, a source close to the family confirmed to WTOC.
Savannah Police Chief Lenny Gunter released a statement regarding the incident.
“Our first priority is the well-being of the victim, and our detectives are working around the clock to determine exactly what happened,” said Lenny B. Gunther, Savannah Police Chief. “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.”
“We’re asking anyone who was in Forsyth Park last night, especially those who were taking photos or video, to please come forward,” Gunther said. “Even a small detail may help us piece together what occurred. Our community is one of our strongest partners in keeping Savannah safe.”
Gunther added, “We understand that incidents like this can be unsettling, but we want to be clear: we are fully engaged, actively investigating, and have increased our presence in parks as a precautionary measure. Right now, we have no evidence that the public faces an ongoing threat.”
No arrests have been made at this time.
The investigation is ongoing. On Friday afternoon, Savannah Police said federal agencies have stepped in to help, the FBI and ATF are currently assisting in this investigation. Increased law enforcement presence in Forsyth Park
In a press conference Friday afternoon, Savannah Police said the public will be seeing an increased police presence throughout this area during the course of the investigation.
“We know that this incident is going to scare or upset a lot of people,” said Savannah Police Friday afternoon. “We’re well aware of the way that this case can take its own legs.”
The public may see law enforcement on foot, horseback, motorcycles and in cars as they continue to investigate.
“We are making sure that the residents in and around the park and in that part of town have that police presence,” ensured Savannah Police.
Savannah police say the man pictured below is not a suspect in this incident but could have information on what happened.
“That’s someone that we want to talk to,” said Savannah Police in a press conference on Friday.
If you know who he is you or who have any information you are urged to contact CrimeStoppers at 912-234-2020 or submit an anonymous tip through the SPD app. ‘Absolutely horrific incident’: Savannah mayor speaks out
Savannah Mayor Van Johnson made a statement regarding the incident via Facebook.
Johnson condemned the violence saying in part quote, “...last night, an absolutely horrific incident occurred near Forsyth Park. Let me be clear: this kind of violence has no place in Savannah. Our Police Department is treating this case with the highest urgency. Detectives are actively investigating the motive and circumstances, and while this attack is deeply troubling, there is currently no information indicating a broader or ongoing threat to the public. Even so, SPD has increased patrols across all city parks out of an abundance of caution. City leadership is working closely to ensure SPD has every resource needed. Savannah, we take care of one another. And we will not tolerate acts that threaten the safety and peace of our residents. Please keep this victim in your prayers.”
“I got that white woman!”
White folks, wake up.
Head on a swivel and arm up.
Women, you are being hunted. Get armed and trained please. Too many men are either too dazed and confused or afraid to help you. I am sorry to say.
I was wondering why the commie media wasn’t reporting on this story so figured either the perp is illegal or black so I got it right
Just could be a rejection to an impromptu sexual encounter. I’ve seen black men on video beat on women who said no to that.
In this case, he's a complete stranger. She was just a random victim. And I suspect he's never seen the inside of a mosque.
I do wonder what how many prior arrests he has under his belt and the judges that let him back out onto the streets?
I imagine we'll find out when they catch him. And I'm certain they will.
I'm gonna guess about 20 prior arrests. +/- 3.
Is Georgia Open Carry?
Even a little 22 Derringer with good aim would start to correct some of this preying on the ladies.
Yes.
Guys who do things like this are never first time offenders just finishing up Graduate school engineering.
There's only so much news they can report on and some white woman working at Cinnabon called Somalis the N-word so stories like this will have to go on the back burner.
Same with the white, special needs student who was blinded in a scissors attack by a black savage at a North Atlanta high school today.
Amen.
Although sulfuric acid attacks were sometimes used in the Untouchables era in the US, there has been an increase in these terrible attacks globally. Supposedly to punish the victim with lifelong destruction of their looks, rather than kill someone.
In my opinion this is a line that should never be crossed by any group of thugs. Disfiguring someone. Terrorizing people.
A summary including 2014 rise in attacks by Muslims:
Sulfuric acid attacks have been carried out in various Muslim countries, often motivated by the enforcement of hijab or other Islamic dress code for women, rejection of marriage proposals, or other personal or domestic disputes in regions with a Muslim-majority population. While acid attacks in the UK are often linked to gang violence those in Bangladesh, Pakistan and Iran have various origins.
Organizations like the Acid Survivors Trust International work globally to support survivors and eradicate these assaults.
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My opinion: All bets are off when this is in the United States.
Permit-less open or concealed.
(excluding certain specified locations)
Moslem or whatever...99.99% it’s a male....I love how the authorities treat this like no big deal,nobody is in danger,as if having a monster attacking innocents is just normal.
and for you miserable pubs in Indiana,I hope you get a rotten lunch of consequences.
They did the same thing when Iryna Zarutska had her throat slit on a train.
"Oh well... Sh*t happens. Please don't marginalize our community of homeless schizophrenic repeat offenders. Think of their suffering too!"
Van Johnson (D).
Yeah, this tracks.
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