A Malden man was ordered held without bail after allegedly trying to rape a woman in Charlestown on Thursday in an attack foiled by police officers who were told “I gave her $100” by the suspect, prosecutors said.
Marouane El Chardani, 33, had allegedly followed the woman after she left a 7-11 store on Causeway Street, Suffolk District Attorney Kevin R. Hayden’s office said in a statement.
Officers arrested El Chardani around 2 a.m. in the area of North Washington and Chelsea streets, where they observed “a sexual assault in progress,” officials said.
The woman “told police El Chardani followed her from a 7-Eleven store on Causeway Street,” prosecutors said. “During the arrest El Chardani repeatedly told officers ‘I gave her $100.’”
He pleaded not guilty at his arraignment in Charlestown Municipal Court on charges of assault to rape, assault and battery, and threats, officials said.
He has a dangerousness hearing scheduled for Oct. 7.
This story will be updated when more information is released.
Travis Andersen can be reached at travis.andersen@globe.com.