Woman severely burned in ‘isolated’ attack at Summit Metro Parks: Officials

NORTON , Ohio (WJW) — Summit Metro Parks and local police are investigating what officials called an “incredibly uncommon” attack on a trail at Silver Creek Metro Park in Norton.

According to park spokesperson Lindsay Smith, a female park visitor was walking alone on Chippewa Trail at about 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 28, when two men quickly approached her.

“[They] threw an unknown substance on her legs which caused severe burns after combusting,” Smith wrote in an email to FOX 8 News.

The woman, who is in her early thirties, told authorities she felt something wet on her leg — “and then it was on fire,” Smith said. There currently isn’t any indication that the liquid was ignited, she said.

The substance itself is currently unknown. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is working to identify the chemical, while an investigator with the State Fire Marshal’s office was at the park on Monday with a specially trained K-9, searching the area of the trail where it happened.

Another park visitor heard the woman calling for help and called 911, Smith said Monday. Norton police and EMS workers were first on scene. The woman was transported to a local hospital for treatment. There’s been no update on her condition.

Summit Metro Parks rangers are now working closely with Norton Police Department to track down the suspects. The victim described them as younger white males, possible in their late teens or early twenties. They were wearing dark-colored clothing. One of them had curly hair.

“We don’t have any indication she knew these people. She didn’t recognize them,” Smith said.

Chippewa Trail is a 2-mile loop through Silver Creek Metro Park. Smith said the attack happened along a portion of the trail just east of the Harter Dairy Barn, which is along Eastern Road. It’s currently unclear where the suspects came onto the trail or which direction they fled.

“Right now, it’s unclear if they came from the woods or the trail,” Smith said.

Smith said park visitors are encouraged to remain aware of their surroundings and follow the guidance of “see something, say something” when in the parks.

“Right now, we believe this is an isolated incident. An incident like this has never happened before in Summit Metro Parks history,” Smith said. “We hope this doesn’t deter park visitors from going about their business.”

Smith noted that Summit Metro Parks rangers are on patrol seven days a week, 365 days a year, and are available to assist visitors. The park system is now increasing patrols around Silver Creek, she said.

“We are keeping the victim in our thoughts as she heals from this traumatic incident. This type of attack is incredibly uncommon within Summit Metro Parks,” said Smith.

Anyone with information on this case are asked to contact Summit Metro Parks Ranger Lt. Josh Hamblen at JHamblen@summitmetroparks.org .

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