NORTON, Ohio — Summit County Metro Parks Rangers said that a 32-year-old woman who told them she was attacked in Silver Creek Park in Norton by two men who poured a flammable liquid on her that ignited and burned her actually made the story up.
Summit Metro Parks rangers, Norton police and the State Fire Marshall's Office, investigated the woman's claim and determined it was "falsely made" and the injuries she sustained were self-inflicted.
"The person involved in this incident has clarified that she made up the details of the attack and falsely filed that report," said Lindsay Smith, chief of marketing and communications at Summit County MetroParks, during an interview with News 5 Thursday afternoon.
"Although this incident is unfortunate, we want to make sure people know that there is no public threat involved in this incident," Smith said. "The person who reported it said it was self-inflicted and no other individuals were involved so we hope that this reinstates a sense of safety for the public and reiterates that our parks are clean and safe."
Smith said the woman admitted she poured gasoline on her legs and then set herself on fire. Smith did not know the woman's motive for filing a false report but said the woman is currently in the hospital seeking care.
"We understand that this incident has caused significant fear for our park visitors. We hope that the conclusion and outcome of this case will reassure those who were wary of visiting the trails, as there is no public threat resulting from this false claim. We hope through this unfortunate circumstance the person involved receives the care and support she needs. If you are experiencing distress, please contact 988 to reach the National Suicide and Crisis Hotline," the Summit Metro Parks said in a statement.
The alleged attack happened on Sunday afternoon on Chippewa Trail, a popular hiking trail in the Silver Creek Metro Park. The woman told police that she was walking through the park when two men in their late teens or early 20s approached her and threw an unknown substance on her legs, which combusted and caused her severe burns.
News 5 spoke with park-goers afterward, with some expressing fear and concern for their safety in the park.
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The woman's case has been sent over to Barberton Prosecutor's Office to determine if charges will be filed.
