The Selma Police Department still does not know who is responsible for helping prevent an attempted rape and assault on Washington Avenue.

We may never know the person’s name, but we can take a lesson from this good samaritan. We have to be on the lookout for crime.

There is a criminal element in Selma that seems to think it is above the law. These people believe many in the community are afraid of them and would not dare to step in if they see a crime taking place.

One man, who is now behind bars, knows better.

Our children are especially vulnerable to these cowards and need the community to keep an eye out for their safety.

Wednesday’s victim was only 15 years old and will have to work through the trauma of having a knife placed at her throat. There is no doubt this is an ordeal that will stick in her mind for a long time.

Sadly, Wednesday’s close call could have happened to anyone. That is why it is increasingly important that people in the community have each other’s back.

It is not always wise to step in directly, as was the case in Wednesday’s incident.  Sometimes, a life can be saved simply by shining a light or calling the police.

When discussing the actions that ended a close call on Washington Avenue, Selma Chief of Police William T. Riley said “That’s what’s needed, period, in the community, for people in the community to look out for these kids as they go to and from school.”

It’s time we took the message our anonymous hero sent to a higher level.

If you have children in your neighborhood, keep a close eye on who is around them and where they go. You might be able to save someone’s life.