NYPD: Man Tries To Rape Woman Inside Staten Island Church Bathroom
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Police are searching for a man they said tried to rape a woman inside a church bathroom in Port Richmond, Staten Island.
Investigators said it happened just after midnight last Sunday.
Police said the suspect, identified as Asuncion Moran Barrera, grabbed a 21-year-old female security guard by the throat at a gym bathroom at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church on Clove Road. He pushed her down while unbuckling his pants, police said.
The attack happened during a quinceañera party, CBS2 reported.
The victim was able to get back upstairs after he tried to force himself on her a second time.
The other guards were outside at the time, trying to break up a fight.
A priest at the church told CBS2 the church tries to make sure every safety measure is in place during every event.
"Our security is very strict," said the Rev. Mark Hallinan. "The doors are locked to enter in, they are patted down, and have to have an invitation -- so it was either an invited person or a friend of an invited person."
Police believe the suspect was part of the festivities.
Police said the suspect is 42 years-old, approximately 4'9", approximately 150 pounds, with brown eyes, and salt and pepper hair.
Anyone with information is asked to call the NYPD Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS, visit the Crime Stoppers website, or text tips to 274637 (CRIMES) and enter TIP577.
