Hunt for man who attempted to rape woman in church

A woman inside the bathroom of a church gymnasium on Staten Island managed to escape her attacker and now the hunt is on for the attempted rapist.

The NYPD says the woman was inside the restroom in Port Richmond shortly after midnight on July 24 when a man approached her.

The suspect grabbed the 21-year-old woman by the throat and pushed her down while unbuckling his pants.

She broke free and also resisted the attacker's attempt to keep her downstairs, said police.

The suspect has been identified as Asuncion Moran Barrera, 42, about 4 feet 9 inches tall, approximately 150 lbs. with brown eyes and salt and pepper hair.

Anyone with information about Moran Barrera is encouraged to contact the NYPD Crime Stoppers at any of the following:

1-800-577-TIPS (8477)
WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577.
The NYPD says all calls/texts are strictly confidential.