PRESS RELEASE
On August 13, 2018 at 2:38 p.m., the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office Communications Division received a 911 call from a 28 year old resident on West Middlebury Road in the Town of Middlebury who reported being cut several times by an unknown intruder that unexpectedly walked into the house. The resident also reported his 13 year old brother had been cut several times as well.
The victims were in upstairs bedrooms at the time of the invasion. Despite being cut several times, the brothers were able to fight and fend off the intruder, who fled the residence on foot.
A Dispatcher remained on the line and administered emergency medical instructions and obtained suspect information.
Deputies from the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office arrived at 2:48 p.m. and secured the scene.
Wyoming Rescue, Warsaw Ambulance and Monroe Ambulance responded to scene to administer vital emergency medical services as both victims were bleeding profusely from several wounds. The 28 year old was flown from the scene by Mercy Flight to Strong Memorial Hospital. The 13 year old was transported by Ambulance to Strong Memorial Hospital as only one helicopter was available.
Deputies and Troopers began a search of the area for the suspect.
At 4:15 p.m., the suspect identified as Michael FINCH was apprehended by Deputies near the house as he came out of the woods on West Middlebury Road. FINCH reported an arm injury and had cuts on him. The Warsaw Ambulance transported him to the Wyoming County Community Hospital and was later discharged. The Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division charged FINCH with:
1. Two Counts of Attempted Murder in the second degree
2. Two Counts of Attempted Robbery in the first degree
3. Two Counts of Assault in the first degree
4. Burglary in the first degree
5. Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the third degree
A check of FINCH’s history revealed he has been convicted of multiple felonies.
In 2011 he was arrested in the Village of Wyoming by the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office as a Fugitive from Justice out of the State of Florida.
FINCH was arraigned by Justice STRATHEARN of the Town of Middlebury Court and remanded to the Wyoming County Jail without bail.
The New York State Police along with District Attorney Donald O’Geen and his Office assisted in the investigation.
The investigation is continuing and anyone with information is asked to contact the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office at 585-786-8989.
Sheriff RUDOLPH reports, “The Town of Middlebury maybe the quaintest and quietest community in Wyoming County and this incident is both alarming and disturbing. Although the investigation is ongoing, we are confident only FINCH was involved and these appalling crimes were an act of random and extreme violence. Although completely unaware of the intrusion into their home and being abruptly and violently attacked by knives, the injured victims fought for their lives and were able to repel the assault compelling FINCH to leave. The victims’ struggle should not go unnoticed. Everyone at the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office is hopeful and wishes the victims a full and speedy recovery. We will continue to diligently investigate this incident and work with the District Attorney’s Office in providing a comprehensive case for prosecution.”
As of the morning of August 14, 2018, the victims are each recovering from surgeries at Strong Memorial Hospital.
https://www.gofundme.com/4dhctg-medical-and-health-expenses