A report of indecent exposure in downtown Medford led to the arrest of a man on charges including attempted rape, Medford police said.

Around 9:50 a.m. on Friday, May 23, Medford Police Department officers responded to the intersection of Central Avenue and 9th Street, near the Medford Library, for a report of indecent exposure, according to a news release.

“Witnesses reported seeing a male and female engaged in sexual activity in public. Upon arrival, officers quickly determined that the activity was not consensual and detained the male suspect on scene,” the release said.

The suspect, identified as 36-year-old Malachi J. Pollard, and the 68-year-old female victim were not known to each other, according to police.

“Evidence indicates that Pollard forcibly initiated sexual contact with the victim,” the release said.

Pollard was arrested and lodged in the Jackson County Jail on $500,000 bail on charges of first-degree attempted rape, first-degree attempted sodomy and first-degree sex abuse. He remained in jail Thursday morning.

“Pollard is currently on probation for non-sexual assault-related offenses and has a significant criminal history,” according to the release. Court records show Pollard faced assault and burglary charges  in 2024.

“Investigators do not believe that this suspect is related to any unsolved similar crimes in the area,” police said. “This case has been referred to the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.”