Jogger on Staten Island a victim of attempted rape

SNUG HARBOR, Staten Island (WABC) -- A Staten Island man was charged in connection with the attack and attempted rape of a jogger in Snug Harbor Monday.

Denis Hernandez, 39, of Staten Island, is accused of grabbing the jogger from behind, in front of 1000 Richmond Terrace across from the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden, just after 9 a.m.

Police said the attacker put his hand over her mouth, put an unknown object in it to keep her from yelling and attempted to drag her to a wooded area.

She broke free and called for help. By the time, police responded, the suspect was gone.

During a search, Hernandez was arrested at Tysen and Fillmore streets, on the other side of Snug Harbor.

He is charged with attempted rape, criminal sex act, assault, kidnapping and unlawful imprisonment.

The victim was treated at Richmond University Medical Center.