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.

Condition of the victim

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.

Watch full press conference below:

Savannah Police share image of man they believe could have information

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.”

You can view the full statement from the mayor below:

How to help

The victim’s family says donations can be given via the GoFundMe link below.

They say donations will go directly toward:

• Medical bills and surgical procedures
• Burn unit and hospital stay expenses
• Rehabilitation & occupational therapy
• Long-term wound care and skin graft procedures
• Adaptive needs and accommodations for daily living
• Any additional recovery needs/living expenses

Stick with WTOC for details as this story develops.

Copyright 2025 WTOC. All rights reserved.