The FBI is turning to the public for assistance as they offer a $5,000 reward for information that can lead to an arrest in a harrowing acid attack in Savannah. On the evening of December 10, Ashley Wasielewski suffered severe burns after an unidentified assailant doused her with a corrosive chemical near Forsyth Park.
Ashley Wasielewski was walking close to West Walburg Street and Whitaker Street around 8:15 p.m. when she was attacked by a stranger, as reported by FOX5 Atlanta. The substance used in the assault was so corrosive it even melted the key fob in her pocket. According to a statement by Wasielewski's son, Westley Wasielewski, to FOX5 Atlanta, "We don’t know who did it," and "She doesn’t have any enemies. She is a friend to everyone."
Wasielewski told family and friends from her hospital bed about the ordeal, through a close friend Connor Milam, recounting the moment she initially believed water was poured on her until her skin began to painfully burn. "She was instantly like ‘Why are you pouring water on me?’ And then her skin started to burn," Milam shared with FOX5 Atlanta.
Federal and local law enforcement have launched a digital tip line to collect any photos or videos that might aid the investigation, which can be found at fbi.gov/forsythparkattack. Furthermore, authorities have released an image of a person interest, described as wearing a dark hoodie with a cartoon rabbit logo. A white SUV, seen in the vicinity of the attack, has also garnered interest from the investigators, as per details from WSAV's reporting.
Currently undergoing treatment at the Augusta Burn Center, a GoFundMe account has been established to help Wasielewski's recovery. The seriousness of the case is underscored by additional patrols by Savannah Police throughout city parks, and a plea for public assistance has been issued by Mayor Van Johnson. Anyone with potentially valuable information is encouraged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or Savannah Area Crime Stoppers at 912-234-2020.
