ASHLAND, Ore. -- A transient from the Medford and Ashland area was arrested after police said he tried to assault multiple people in Ashland Monday morning.

The Ashland Police Department responded to a report of an assault near East Main and 4th Street around 10:15 Monday. They quickly arrested Aaron Whitley, 37.

Police said Whitley assaulted a woman in the parking lot after asking her for help, apparently trying to steal her car. The woman was able to break free and yelled for two people nearby to help her.

Officers said Whitley pulled a knife on the two people when they approached him. According to police, Whitley ran off and tried to used a screwdriver to rob another man.

Whitley was then arrested by Ashland Police officers. He's in the Jackson County jail on charges of Robbery in the First Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Menacing, Assault in the First Degree and Unlawful Use of a Motor Vehicle.