SOUTHGATE, Mich. -- Southgate police said a 42-year-old man is expected be charged Wednesday with the assault and attempted abduction of a U.S. mail carrier.

Police said a female mail carrier parked her truck at Mercier and Barberry streets Monday and was preparing her delivery when Bruce Edwards came up and tried to force her into the back of the truck.

"She indicated she'd been assaulted by an individual who approached her from behind and attempted to, what she believes, was abduct her," said Southgate Detective Sgt. David Fobar.

The attack happened at 2:30 p.m. and was witnessed by several people, including children.

"I heard a scream and I saw a guy running," said 7-year-old Emily Plaza.

Plaza, who was interviewed by Local 4 News after getting permission from her mother, said she was visiting at a friend's home when they witnessed the attack.

"I shut the doors and I locked them," Plaza said. "And my friend's mom came over."

Fobar said other neighbors also sprang into action, including a group of people who followed Edwards and helped police locate him.

Edwards was caught hiding in a backyard about a block away by Fobar, who happened to be in the area and responded to the call.

The mail carrier was not physically hurt.