NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Police were still trying to find a man who attacked and tried to rape a woman in Forest Hills Friday.

Metro Police said an attempted rape on Otter Creek Road Thursday night should send a strong signal to women in the Forest Hills area.

Police said the victim had just stepped out of her house and was walking to her car when a man attacked her and tried to rape her in her front yard.

“We don’t know where he came from,” police spokesman Don Aaron said.

Police said they didn't know if the attacker staked out the woman's house, or if she was just a random victim. They said the attacker met his match either way.

"She fought so hard and violently he ran away,” Aaron said.

Police said they were happy that the man didn’t rape this woman, but fear for others in Forest Hills as long as he is on the loose.

“This case emphasizes that we need to always be aware of our surroundings,” Aaron said.