By Caitlin Philippo
A RECENT attack near Savannah’s historic Forsyth Square has residents on edge. On Wednesday evening, around 8:15 pm, a woman was walking near the park when an unknown assailant approached her from behind and poured an unknown chemical agent on her person.
The assault took place near West Waldburg and Whitaker Streets. Reports have confirmed that the victim did not know her attacker.
On Thursday evening, the Savannah Police Department released a still photo taken from surveillance footage of an individual walking in the area in the immediate aftermath of the attack. The blurred photo features an individual in a dark hoodie, the hood pulled up, and a pair of dark jeans or pants.
In a statement released from the department on Thursday, Police Chief Lenny B. Gunther stated that “Our first priority is the well-being of the victim, and our detectives are working around the clock to determine exactly what happened. 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.”
Police are actively beseeching citizens to reach out with any information.
“We’re asking anyone who was in Forsyth Park last night, especially those who were taking photos or video, to please come forward. Even a small detail may help us piece together what occurred. Our community is one of our strongest partners in keeping Savannah safe,” Gunther said.
The department is not the only one asking community members if they might know the identity of the individual.
On social media, Mayor Van Johnson posted an image of the photo with a caption stating, “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.”
Johnson’s statement concluded with “Below is the camera image of a person of interest. Do you know him?”
The Savannah Police have promised an active investigation, and an enhanced patrol presence is already evident in the area. In an effort to further calm residents, Gunther has stated that “Right now, we have no evidence that the public face an ongoing threat.”
As reported by WJCL, the victim, Ashley Wasielewski, is receiving treatment for third-degree burns at a Georgia Burn Center. When interviewed by the news outlet, her husband said, “It’s just short of a hate crime. You don’t just target somebody for no reason.”
At the time of this reporting, no arrests have been made. Police are encouraging “Anyone with information should call CrimeStoppers, 912-234-2020, or submit an anonymous tip through the SPD mobile app.”