Police are asking for the public’s help to find the man who they say attempted to rape a 20-year-old woman in Melrose.

It happened just after midnight on July 17 near East 150th Street and Wales Avenue.  

Police said the man ran off along Wales Avenue. No one was hurt. 

Women in the area told News 12 on Saturday that they heard the news for the first time and are staying vigilant. 

“That’s pretty scary,” said Ebony Temple, of Melrose. “I mean, as a single woman, it’s dangerous on a good day, so that doesn’t make me feel any safer.” 

“I feel sorry for the lady,” said Isura Garcia, of Melrose. “Every woman who walks by themselves, they have to be very careful looking back and forth and take care of themselves.” 

Police said the man was last seen wearing a black hat, red t-shirt, blue jeans and white sneakers. 

Police ask anyone with information to give them a call.