NATCHEZ — A local woman who had a frightening experience Sunday afternoon wants others to be aware of their surroundings when out and about in town.

The resident, who asked to remain anonymous, was running in the Melrose-Montebello Parkway area at 1:30 p.m. when she noticed a truck following her.

The maroon-colored older model truck slowly looped around the woman four times as she was running back toward town and Main Street, she said.

She moved into the median, intending to politely ask the man to leave her alone. As she looked toward the truck she realized the man was openly masturbating and clearly attempting to expose himself to her.

She screamed and reached for her phone to call 911. The truck pulled away once the woman reached for her phone, she said.

A police officer connected with the woman further into town, and she filed a report, which Police Chief Mike Mullins said is on file.

Police tried to locate the vehicle, but were unable to, Mullins said.

The truck reportedly had no tag or markings and was likely a 1980s model vehicle.

Mullins said no similar reports have been filed recently, but advised anyone out running to do what the victim did.

“Cell phones are excellent,” he said. “Dial 911. Anytime anything happens that is suspicious, people should call us. That’s what we do is check out suspicious people and vehicles. Anytime something looks out of place, call us.”

In addition to running in a well-lit, populated area, Mullins said carrying a cell phone is the best protection.

Though she was not hurt, the victim in this case said she hoped others could be spared her experience.

“I feel like if this could happen on a Sunday afternoon, people need to be aware,” she said.