A registered sex offender charged with attempting to rape a teenage boy in Washington County last month was arrested Sunday in Downtown Pittsburgh, authorities said.

Russell Michael Marycz, 43, of Jefferson Hills, was arrested about 2:45 p.m. in Market Square by Allegheny County sheriff’s deputies.

Carroll Township police have been searching for Marycz since Monday. Police said he offered a 15-year-old $500 and then $1,000 to engage in sex before threatening to force the teen to have sex if he wouldn’t agree.

Police said the encounter began at 11 p.m. Sept. 27 in Monongahela, when Marycz approached the teen near Second and Chess streets, and continued until 1:15 a.m. Sept. 28 at the Ripepi Winery in Carroll Township.

Police said the teen initially responded to Marycz’s request for directions, and walked with him for a short distance. The teen became scared when Marycz grabbed his arm when he attempted to leave, and continued to walk with Marycz.

When they got to the winery, Marycz asked to have sex with and “physically confronted” the teen, police said. The teen told police that, when he refused, Marycz allegedly tackled him, punched him and said, “If you run, I’ll hurt you.”

The teen eventually broke free and phoned his mother, who arrived to pick him up, police said.

In addition to the teen, Marycz’ girlfriend also identified him, police said.

He is charged with attempted rape; kidnapping, unlawful restraint, false imprisonment and corruption of minors; criminal solicitation; simple assault; and interference with custody of a child.

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