MARION COUNTY — The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is urging residents to be alert and aware of their surroundings following two incidents Monday that may be related.

The first incident reportedly occurred on Anglen Road in northeast Marion County where a woman was reportedly attacked by a man who said he stopped to help her.

However, when she said she didn’t need help the man reportedly punched her in the face, attempting to remove her clothing, and attempting to sexually assault her.

The woman was able to escape the scene on foot and call 911. The man, described as 60-years-old, 6-feet tall, 250 to 300 pounds with a white beard, reportedly fled in a red truck believed to be either a Chevy S-10 or Ford Ranger.

The sheriff’s office then received a call later in the day from a Salem High School bus driver reporting a man in a red Ford Ranger was following the bus and watching the students get off the bus.

While the man didn’t make any attempts to stop students, the incident was reported as suspicious.

Authorities are unsure if the two incidents are related other than a red truck being reported as involved in both reports.

However, the sheriff’s office urges the public to be aware of your surroundings and keep a close eye on children.

Anyone with information into either of these incidents is asked to contact the Marion County Sheriff’s Office at 618-548-2141.