Search on for man who tried to rape woman in Staten Island church basement

PORT RICHMOND, Staten Island (WABC) -- Police are searching for a man who attempted to rape a woman in a church basement on Staten Island.

Investigators say the man approached a 21-year-old inside the women's bathroom inside a church gym on Clove Road in the Port Richmond section.

They say the suspect grabbed the woman by the throat and pushed her down while unbuckling his pants.

The victim was able to fight him off in the bathroom and then avoided the suspect when he tried a second time to keep her downstairs.

The suspect is identified by the NYPD as Asuncion Moran Barrera.

He is described as Hispanic, 42 years-old, approximately 4'9", approximately 150lbs, brown eyes, salt and pepper hair.