It happened on the 100 block of South High Street around 10 p.m. on May 6, according to investigators.
Police believe the suspect watched the resident enter the home before trying to get in. He fled before officers arrived and was not located when police searched the area.
He was around 6-foot-4 and thin with a navy-blue long sleeve Penn State shirt, black Nike Air sweatpants with white lettering, and gray New Balance sneakers, detectives said.
Anyone with information is asked to call West Chester police at 610-696-2700 or submit a tip online.
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