Cranston police searching for man who grabbed teenager

CRANSTON, R.I. (WLNE) — The Cranston Police Department is asking the public for help in identifying a man who appeared to have accosted a teenage girl Friday.

The department said a female high schooler was walking south on Gansett Avenue around 8 a.m. when she was approached by a man.

The man allegedly made comments to the student in Spanish, and when she turned to leave he grabbed her arm.

The girl went to a crossing guard to report the incident, and the man walked between businesses across the street and ran into the adjacent neighborhood.

The suspect is a Hispanic male, around five-and-a-half feet tall, of medium complexion who was wearing a tan jacket, blue sweat pants with white stripes on the side, and black sneakers.

Anyone who recognizes the suspect is asked to contact the department by calling (401) 942-2211.