CHICAGO — Police are searching for a suspect who stole a USPS truck after attempting to assault the mail carrier on the city’s West Side Saturday afternoon.

According to police, a 28-year-old mail carrier was entering a mail truck at the 2801 block of South Pulaski Road around 9:50 a.m. when she encountered an individual inside. The person attempted to assault her but she was able to escape without incident, police say.

The individual then stole the truck and fled the scene southbound on Pulaski Road.

Police engaged in a high-speed chase through the Southwest Side until the truck was spotted abandoned in an alley at the 4500 block of Marquette Road.

The mail carrier was transported to Saint Anthony Hospital for observation. No injuries were reported.

Police said the woman was not injured.

No one is in custody.

Late Saturday, the Office of the Postal Inspector released an image of the person believed to be responsible. The office also announced a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

Anyone with information is asked to call 877-876-2455.

The National Association of Letters Carriers Chicago union president said more than 20 mail carriers have been targeted across the city since mid-August.

This week some Illinois lawmakers called on the postal service’s board to do more to protect their workers.

They expressed concern over the rise in violent crime against mail carriers.