Woman Doused With Chemical in Savannah Park, Suffers Third-Degree Burns

Woman Doused With Chemical in Savannah Park, Suffers Third-Degree Burns

A woman is recovering after Savannah police say she was attacked with a corrosive chemical while walking in Forsyth Park near West Waldburg and Whitaker streets just before 8 p.m. Wednesday. Authorities say a man came up from behind and poured the substance over her head, and investigators believe she did not know her attacker.

Police have not announced any arrests. On Thursday, Savannah police released an image of a man in dark clothing they’re trying to locate in connection with the case.

According to local ABC affiliate WJCL, the woman suffered third-degree burns. A Savannah resident told the outlet the incident was unsettling: “I walk around this park a lot, even at night,” Grace Warner said. “You just don’t expect something like this to happen here.”

Savannah Police Chief Lenny B. Gunther said the department is focused on the victim and is working to determine what happened. “Our first priority is the well-being of the victim, and our detectives are working around the clock to determine exactly what happened,” he said, adding, “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.”

Savannah Mayor Van Johnson also addressed the case on social media: “City leadership is working closely to ensure SPD has every resource needed, from personnel to technology, to bring resolution to this case swiftly,” he said. “We will continue to keep our community informed, and we thank everyone who has already stepped forward to assist.”