A Hazleton man was charged with attempted rape after state police at the Hazleton barracks responded to an incident at 2:30 a.m. May 16 in the parking lot of Planet Fitness, Laurel Mall Drive, Hazleton.

Jiobany Cruz, 36, who police said was later identified as a former registered sex offender, is charged with attempted rape, unlawful restraint, simple assault and harassment.

He was remanded to the Luzerne County Correctional Facility, Wilkes-Barre, on an existing felony warrant and denied bond.

Police said the victim reported she exited the gym and was getting inside her vehicle when an unknown man approached her vehicle from the rear, reached inside the vehicle and covered her mouth and eyes with his hands. The suspect then demanded she avoid looking at him and to remain silent. A brief struggle ensured and the victim pressed her vehicle’s horn, causing the suspect to flee.

Police said through their investigation, Cruz was taken into custody at about 1 p.m. on the same day.