A Petworth News reader contacted me to share a terrible story about a man who tried a lewd act in front of her Monday afternoon near Grant Circle.

According to the reader, she was walking her dogs near Saint Gabriel's Catholic Church (26 Grant Circle NW) at around three in the afternoon on Monday, June 12th, when a car approached her. The man driving the vehicle called out to her asking for directions in a soft voice, asking her to come closer to the car. When she approached the car to help him she saw that he was masturbating in the car.

He is described as African American in his late 20s, early 30s with an accent. The car is described as a smaller two-door silver vehicle.

Unfortunately she didn't have her phone with her, and understandably, she left the scene as quickly as she could.

It's terribly sad that in an effort to help someone, a neighbor had to be assaulted. Please be aware as you go about your day in the neighborhood, and report to MPD any strange interactions with men who might fit this description.

The reader did report the incident to MPD, who said they would put out an alert.

Here's her email:

This was right in front of St. Gabriel's church, I didn't even have my phone on me to get car info and what not. I pretty much just got out of there as quickly as possible.

Nonetheless, the neighborhood should be made aware. It made me think if this guy does this again, heaven forbid it's not to a little girl. So if everyone could just keep an eye out.

He was African American in his late 20's maybe early 30's and I think had an accent. He kept speaking softly to try to lure me towards to the car to hear him and that's when everything became clear.

Thank you and hopefully this man doesn't come back to the neighborhood or if he does at least people can be made aware.