THOMASVILLE — An investigation is underway into the identity of a man who attempted to coax a female teen into his vehicle early Friday afternoon.

The 18-year-old woman told police she was walking along South Pinetree Boulevard near Thomas University when she was approached by a man driving a black pickup truck.

“The man asked if she wanted a ride home, and she said ‘No,’ ” said Maj. Wade Glover, Thomasville Police Department public information officer.

The man persisted in offering the teen a ride home. He eventually drove off, turned around, returned to the woman and continued driving near her.

“She began walking faster,” Glover said. “He got out of the truck. She ran to a residence and asked for help. She did the right thing by running for help and not getting in the vehicle.”

The woman described the man as black and in his mid-40s.

“At this time, we don’t know what his intentions were,” the officer said

If anyone else is approached in a similar situation, they should call 911 and report the incident immediately and try to get the vehicle’s tag number.

“A lot of times these things happen, and people don’t report it,” Glover said.

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820