Car thief assaults two in Genesee

What began as a car theft in Genesee may result in attempted-murder charges following a terrifying Sunday morning ordeal.

According to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Nicholas Andrew Ray Finney, 19, of Bennett, is suspected of stealing a Cadillac Escalade from a home on Sawmill Gulch Road about 8 a.m. Feb. 10.

It is believed that the thief spooked after seeing sheriff’s patrol units in the area, abandoned the vehicle, and went to a nearby house. The thief knocked on the door but was refused entry. The incident was reported, and the sheriff issued a reverse-911 notification to homes within a half-mile of that address, cautioning residents to stay indoors and secure their homes.

Stymied at the first house, authorities say the thief went to an address on Springflower Drive where, possibly seeking valuables, he gained entrance through an open garage door. Confronted in the basement by the woman of the house, the man allegedly beat her with a golf club, causing numerous head injuries. At that moment, the woman’s boyfriend appeared and began fighting with the assailant. The man sustained minor injuries in the melee, and the assailant fled on foot.

Finney was apprehended about 9:30 a.m. near Lininger Drive and Shingle Creek Road following a lengthy foot chase. The assault victims were transported to an area hospital and, as of Feb. 11, both had been released.

Finney was being held at the Jefferson County Jail on charges of attempted murder, first-degree burglary, felony menacing and third-degree assault. As a large sum of money reportedly was stolen from the home, he also faces a felony theft count. He is also wanted in Florida on a felony burglary warrant.

Authorities are seeking information about how Finney arrived in the Genesee area. Anyone who recalls seeing a dark-colored Honda Civic in the area on Sunday morning is asked to call 303-271-5612.