Sex offender wanted for sexually assaulting coworker at knife-point in Highland

HIGHLAND, Calif. (KABC) -- Authorities are searching for a convicted sex offender after he allegedly attempted to rape his coworker and then fled in her car in Highland.

Gerard Finn, 57, of San Bernardino, is accused of luring the woman to a shed in her yard on Sunday, where he punched her several times and attempted to tie her up. Finn then used a knife to threaten her for oral copulation and cut away her clothing, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.

The woman was able to fight back and got the suspect off of her before he fled the scene in her car.

The woman's stolen vehicle was described as a white 4-door 2012 Nissan Versa with the California license plate 6YUY845.

Police said Finn and the victim both worked at a local rehabilitation center for convicted felons, and the woman hired the suspect to do odd jobs in her home.

A $3 million felony warrant was issued for his arrest given his violent history, authorities said. Finn is a convicted sex offender with prior convictions for rape and sexual assault.

Authorities say Finn is considered armed and dangerous. Detectives advise the public not to make contact with him and call 911 if he is seen.

Anyone with more information on the suspect or the vehicle is asked to call the Highland Police Department Detective Division.