Newton Police Identify Suspicious Man Who Approached Teenage Girl

NEWTON, MA — Newton police have identified the man who is accused of asking a 13-year-old girl to get in his vehicle Monday morning.

According to police, the incident took place around 7 a.m. when the child was walking along River Stree to her bus stop. She was approached by a red pick up truck and the driver, described as a white man, asked her if she needed a ride. When she said no, he responded by saying, "come on, get in."

Police say the girl then ran down the street and saw the truck parked on Star Rd. on the opposite side of the street. The man then exited the pick up truck without approaching her again.

The suspect in the case has been identified and questioned, said police. The investigation is still ongoing and officers have not released his name to the public.

"Many times during the year, incidents like this are reported in Newton and throughout the state," said police in a news release. "At no time should a stranger offer someone unknown to them a ride or ask them to get in their vehicle nor should anyone ever get into a stranger’s vehicle."

Newton police are asking residents to be cautious of strangers when walking alone and try to walk in areas that have other walkers, runners, foot traffic, and cars.