Malden Police Seek Driver Who Approached High School Student

MALDEN (CBS) - Malden Police are searching for a car that may be connected to a suspicious incident with a teenager.

A Malden High School student says the Mitsubishi Lancer pulled up alongside him and the man inside got out and touched the student, though he wasn't injured. The student was able to get away and report the encounter to school officials.

It was unsettling news for students, especially those who walk each day knowing one of their classmates had become a target. "That's a huge risk for any other students who come out of school," said sophomore Javier Regis.

Police describe the suspect as a thin, white male who was wearing sunglasses at the time. They were quick to distribute the surveillance photo of the vehicle hoping someone will recognize it.

"Since I walk down this path every day, anyone can see me and approach me. It's very strange and worrying," said student Khadija West.

It happened on Bainridge Street, a residential area a few blocks from the school. It's alarming enough for Gabriel Sanders who also walks to school. "Kind of scares me knowing that in this neighborhood stuff like that can happen," she says.

Some students admit they already take precautions knowing anything can happen. "I take open roads, and have pedestrians and people walking around," said student Mahalia Guillaume.

Police say they are taking the reported encounter seriously and that it is an active investigation.