– By Jim Emerson
SAN LEANDRO, CA — A suspect who left an electronic data trail faces strong-arm robbery
charges and hate crime allegations. Jerty J. Finley, 22 of Ashland, allegedly admitted
targeting a woman—believing she is wealthy because she is Asian.
San Leandro police arrested Finley on May 13 following a brief pursuit. He remains in custody
at Alameda County Santa Rita Jail on a no-bail status.
Charges filed against Finley include second-degree robbery, committing violence or bodily
harm to a vulnerable victim, and identity theft. Plus, he is charged with a special allegation for
felony hate crime.
The strong-arm robbery occurred shortly after 2 p.m. on May 13. It happened at a parking lot
on Hesperian Boulevard, near Halcyon Drive in San Leandro. Finley reportedly told police that
Asian women are known to carry expensive jewelry and cash.
Finley allegedly exited from a vehicle and assaulted the woman outside a restaurant. She
sustained multiple lacerations during a struggle with the suspect, who ripped away her
personal belongings.
The victim was violently forced to the ground. Her purse was stolen containing her personal
identification, credit/debit cards, cash, and her phone.
Finley’s movements following the robbery were monitored. San Leandro and Hayward
detectives traced the electronic data trail left by the rapid use of the victim’s stolen financial
cards.
SLPD checked automated license plate readers to track the getaway car, and officers
conducted a high-risk traffic stop on 40th Street. Finley and his passenger Zymonne Williams,
20, of Ashland, were taken into custody, without further incident. Williams was arrested for an
unrelated outstanding misdemeanor warrant.
