Press conference on chemical attack at Forsyth Park
Savannah Police Department Assistant Chief Robert Gavin spoke at City Hall on Friday afternoon about the recent chemical attack at Forsyth Park.
- A woman was hospitalized with chemical burns after an unknown man poured a corrosive liquid on her in Savannah’s Forsyth Park.
- The Savannah Police Department, FBI, and ATF are working to identify the chemical and the assailant.
- Authorities have increased patrols to reassure the public while the investigation is ongoing.
The aggravated assault on Wednesday that left a woman with chemical burns is the first case of its kind that Savannah Police Department (SPD) Assistant Chief Robert Gavin has seen locally.
“I’ve been here 31 years and I don’t remember an acid attack,” Gavin said at a Friday morning press conference.
According to SPD, the woman was walking along the outer sidewalk of Forsyth Park around 8 p.m. Wednesday when an unknown man approached her from behind and poured a corrosive liquid on her. She immediately ran across the street for help, and SPD officers, EMS personnel, and Savannah Fire Department’s hazmat crew arrived on scene at approximately 8:15 p.m.
The woman is in stable condition and is being treated at the Augusta Burn Center. SPD has not yet conducted an in-depth interview with her due to the medication she is receiving for her injuries.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) are assisting SPD in identifying the chemical used in the attack.
SPD is asking anyone who was in Forsyth Park on Wednesday night to submit any photos or videos that may assist the investigation.
Late Thursday, the department released an image on social media of a man wearing a black sweatshirt with the cartoon character Bugs Bunny. Gavin said the individual is not currently a suspect but is someone detectives would like to speak with because he was in the area at the time of the attack.
While the investigation continues, SPD has increased patrols throughout the city, including officers on foot, horseback, motorcycles and in patrol vehicles.
“We know that this incident is going to scare or upset a lot of people, and we’re well aware of the way that this case can take its own legs,” Gavin said. “But the things that we are doing is making sure that the residents in and around the parks and that part of town have that police presence.”
This is a developing story. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.
Anyone with information should call CrimeStoppers, 912-234-2020, or submit an anonymous tip through the SPD mobile app.
Ansley Franco is a reporter with the Savannah Morning News, covering public safety and general assignments. You can reach her at AFranco@gannett.com.
