Teen Reports Suspicious Stranger Approached Him: Newton Police

NEWTON, MA — After a teen was approached by a suspicious man in a Prius, police want to let residents know.

"[We're] just making people aware," said Lt. Bruce Apotheker a police spokesperson. "We've had no other reports."

But on Tuesday evening around 5:30 p.m. a Newton North teenager was running hill sprints when a man driving an aqua colored, newer model Prius slowly drove past him. The man whom the teen said he did not know, rolled down his window and asked the runner if he was from the area. The teen told the man he was. Then the driver asked what the teen's name was and if he needed a ride home.

When the teen told the man he did not need a ride, the man drove off.

The teen reported it as a suspicious person to police. He told police he didn't get the plate number and had not recognized the man. He described the man as in his 50s with gray hair.

Anyone who sees a car or person fitting the description involved in this incident or any other suspicious activity should call Newton police.

Although the incident ended on a positive note, when cars approach young people, police often share safety tips related to strangers that include not getting anywhere near a stranger's car or accepting rides from a stranger.

Police say children should always tell a parent or adult where they’re going, and not walk alone if they can prevent it and should avoid shortcuts through the woods, a back street or empty area.

Police advise young people to find an adult or yell for help if a stranger is bothering them.

Photo by Jenna Fisher/Patch Staff