A woman is recovering after two men threw an unknown substance at her at Silver Creek Metro Park in Norton on Sunday.
According to the Metro Parks, a woman in her 30s was walking on the Chippewa Trail Sunday around 3:30 p.m. when two random men, believed to be in their late teens or early 20s, threw the substance at her legs, which caused severe burns after combusting.
Authorities said the woman felt a wetness on her legs and then flames. The woman said she did not recognize the men.
"The park visitor was alone at the time of the attack," Summit Metro Parks' Lindsay Smith said.
Another park visitor heard her screams and called 911.
Summit Metro Parks doesn't know which direction the men came from, and there are no cameras on the trail.
Authorities did not provide a specific description of the suspects. We have asked the police to provide a detailed description, if possible. We are waiting to hear back.
The attack happened on the trail near the historic Harter dairy barn. It's on a 2-mile-long loop that does pass some homes.
"They were gone by the time our park visitor was there to assist," Smith said.
An investigator with the State Fire Marshal was on the trail with a dog on Monday.
Park rangers have increased patrols.
Lance Porubsky was just hiking the same trail two days ago.
“My initial thought is a little bit of fear," Porubsky said.
His wife and daughter joined him on Monday.
He's now worried about their safety when hiking.
“Knowing that if I wasn’t with them that their safety is in jeopardy; it’s a scary thought for a dad, for sure," Porubsky said.
Summit Metro Parks say the woman didn't recognize her attackers.
"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. Park visitors are encouraged to remain aware of surroundings and follow the guidance of 'see something, say something' when in the parks," the Metro Parks said in a statement.
The woman injured in the attack was transported to a local hospital, where she was treated for her injuries and later released.
Summit Metro Parks rangers and Norton police are investigating the case.
The State Fire Marshal is analyzing evidence from the scene.
"Now our eyes are open maybe fore the next few weeks let’s not hike alone let’s stay in groups stay in a pack because there’s safety when we’re together," Porubsky said.
Anyone with information is asked to call 330-867-5511 or email Lieutenant Josh Hamblen at JHamblen@summitmetroparks.org.
Violent crime in popular park system locations is rare but not unprecedented. In 2020, a man was arrested for attacking two women at Brookside Reservation in Cleveland.
RELATED: U.S. Marshals: Man who attacked 2 women in Cleveland Metroparks last year arrested
In 2019, a man and woman were killed at Rocky River Reservation. That crime is still unsolved.
RELATED: 5 years later: Still no arrests in Rocky River double homicide
