She went for a jog and he tried to rape her, cops say. Bradenton man in custody

A 46-year-old Bradenton man is in custody after he attacked and tried to rape a jogger in the Braden River Nature Park in Lakewood Ranch, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies say Darren Kuebler stalked the woman from the time she arrived at the park and then followed her into a secluded area before attacking her.

According to the arrest warrant, the victim arrived at the park located at 7000 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. around 4 p.m. on April 9. The victim noticed Kuebler as she approached the park in her vehicle, deputies say.

She pulled into the park to get ready for her run and within minutes, Kuebler was standing outside her vehicle, trying to ask her a question Not knowing him, she ignored him, the warrant states.

Kuebler eventually walked away and the woman got out of her car and began her run.

As the woman jogged and walked the trail, she noticed Kuebler walking the same route. Deputies say once she turned around to jog back the other way, she came into contact with Kuebler, who asked her for a cigarette.

She told him she didn’t have one and attempted to run around Kuebler, who reached out and grabbed her by the arm, deputies say.

Kuebler began to beat her, according to the warrant, and once he had her on the ground, attempted to remove her clothing. The victim continued to struggle and screamed for help, but no one was in the area, deputies say.

The beating continued and Kuebler eventually told the victim, “OK, just go.”

The victim made it back to her vehicle and called 911. She sustained multiple injuries in the attack.

The victim was able to provide a detailed description of her attacker, according to the sheriff’s office.. Another deputy, who knows Kuebler, recognized the description and recalled seeing him at the park earlier that day.

Deputies were able to present a photo lineup based on that information and the victim identified Kuebler, officials said.

An arrest warrant was issued later that day and deputies arrested him the next day at his home.

Kuebler was booked into the Manatee County jail and charged with sexual battery and battery. He remains in custody on bonds totaling $50,500.