MIAMI -- A city of Miami police officer is charged with attempted rape and kidnapping after an incident Sunday.

Michael Ragusa of Miami Beach is suspected of kidnapping and trying to rape a woman just blocks from his home, according to police.

Ragusa, 31, was off duty when he allegedly picked up a woman on 75th Street and Collins Avenue, police said.

"He was off duty, but he was in a Miami police car, which bothers us greatly," said Lt. Bill Schwartz of the Miami Police Department.

Police said Ragusa attempted to rape the woman a few blocks away, but she was able to escape. Police said they believe Ragusa may have been targeting women who he thought were illegal immigrants because the women would most likely not report the crimes.

Local 10 reported that in Ragusa's personnel files were complaints on at least four separate occasions. Twice he was accused of abusive treatment and was also discourteous, according to the complaints.

"Not all of these complaints were substantiated. In fact, very few were," said Schwartz.

Ragusa, who is in jail, has been suspended with pay.