After a horrifying acid attack close to Forsyth Park that left the community in shock, Savannah Police have now turned to the public for help. The incident took place at 8:16 p.m. at the intersection of Whitaker Street and West Waldburg Street. A woman was out for a walk when an unidentified person reportedly threw a harmful liquid over her. The attack seemed to come out of nowhere and was not provoked.
People who were near the place of the incident talked about having heard loud screams a moment before they saw the victim lying on the ground and clearly in pain. Her clothes appeared to have been chemically damaged which meant the liquid used was very corrosive. The emergency services reached the scene extremely fast, administered first aid and then transported her to a burn unit.
Savannah acid attack victim assaulted randomly near Forsyth Park.
Who Is The Victim And What Is Her Condition?
The victim came to be known as Ashley Wasielewski, aged 46. She was left with second and third-degree burns covering her face, scalp, hands, and lower body. The doctors further confirmed that some of her belongings had been partially burned due to the fumes.Â
She is still in a special hospital and will have to take medicine for her condition for a long time. The relatives called her a famous and nice person and added that she had no enemies. This has made people more worried about the possibility that the attack was random.
Has Anyone Been Identified In The SPD Investigation Acid Attack?
In conjunction with the SPD probe into the acid attack case, law enforcement shared pictures of a person they are interested in. This person was dressed in a dark hoodie, blue jeans, and had a cartoon-like design over the clothes. The person has not been classified as a suspect yet, according to the authorities.
Also pictures of a white SUV and people that were near the area were made public by police. These people are thought to be the ones who got the information related to the case. The public is still encouraged to cooperate with the law enforcement.
Police released images of a person of interest.
Why Are Police Requesting Acid Attack Eyewitnesses?
According to Savannah Police, the eyewitnesses of the acid attack would provide the most important information missing from the present video footage. Data of the surveillance videos is being checked by the investigators, but they think that also the shooter could be identified by the additional angles or personal recordings.
The police pointed out that even the briefest or the most unclear footage could be helpful in reconstructing the movement of the suspect. The department was asking all the residents and the visitors who were in the area at that time to go through the phone videos and photographs taken that night.
How Are Authorities Responding To The Attack?
After the attack, police patrols were intensified around Forsyth Park and nearby streets as a measure to enhance public safety and to make police presence felt. City authorities severely criticized the attack and gave the assurance to the residents that safeguarding the community still ranks as the highest priority.Â
Federal agencies are doing forensic work together with local police, which entails among other things, the analysis of the chemical substance involved. The investigators stated that they still do not have any proof of an ongoing or broader danger, while the inquiries are still at a very vigorous pace.
Police increased Forsyth Park patrols, condemning the attack and ensuring safety.
What Is The Community Reaction?
The incident caused the whole community to react with feelings of concern and worry, and even fear, and the residents went to the extent of expressing shock, fear, and sympathy towards the victim. The community leaders along with the local groups held a public walk and an awareness gathering as a sign of solidarity and an encouragement for healing. The police drew attention to community cooperation, urging the witnesses to submit the information anonymously while the investigators are very carefully going through all the tips received.
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FAQs
Q1: What should a witness to an acid attack do?
If anyone has seen the incident or was close, they should report it to Savannah Police right away.
Q2: Has anyone been arrested so far in this case?
No one has been arrested as the inquiry is still in progress.
Q3: Was the attack aimed at someone or was it random?
Currently police are thinking that the victim did not know the attacker, but the reason is still uncertain.
Q4: Is public safety at risk still?
Police said they do not have any evidence that a larger threat exists at the moment.
