Man Approached, Followed High School Student: School District

WEST BABYLON, NY - A man approached a West Babylon high school student at a local shopping center last week, according to a message from the school district.

According to the statement from Scott Payne, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, the man approached the student on Friday, Sept. 7 at 3:30 p.m. by the Best Yet/Retro Fitness on Montauk Highway in West Babylon.

The man repeatedly asked the student if she wanted a ride in his van and followed her to Beachwood Drive, the message states.

The student ran away and the man left the scene.

The man is described as a white, in his mid-50's, with a grayish goatee and "bags under his eyes," according to the message.

"Parents and guardians are once again encouraged to review steps their children should take when confronted by strangers and the need to be alert for suspicious individuals," Payne wrote in the statement. "The police should always be contacted if there are any concerns."

Image via Google Maps