Woman stabbed multiple times in random attack in downtown Calgary

Police released these CCTV images of a suspect wanted in connection to the stabbing of a woman on Seventh Avenue S.W. (Calgary police handouts)

CALGARY -

Investigators are hoping someone will recognize a man accused of stabbing a woman multiple times in what is being called a random attack in downtown Calgary.

The woman was standing on the southwest corner of Seventh Avenue and First Street S.W. about 11:40 p.m. on Tuesday when she was approached from behind by a man and stabbed multiple times.

The suspect fled and a woman standing nearby yelled for help.

Officers arrived quickly and rendered first aid to the victim, who was transported to hospital in stable condition.

"It is believed that this was a random attack, and that the victim and the suspect did not know each other," police said in a release.

"The investigation has revealed they had no prior interaction leading up to the stabbing."

Investigators were able to find CCTV images of a suspect.

He is described as:

• About 167 centimetres (5'6") tall;
• Having a slim build;
• Having blond or light-brown hair;
• Wearing a black and white Judas Priest T-shirt, black shorts, white sneakers and a grey coat with a black and red stripe through it.

"The CCTV photos we were able to find are clear. Someone out there will know who this person is," said Dist. 1 Insp. Clare Smart.

"Rest assured we will find this person and we will hold him accountable for this completely unacceptable violence. Everyone has the right to move freely about our downtown without the fear or threat of violence. This behaviour is not tolerated, and we will put a stop to it."

Anyone with information is asked to call the non-emergency number at 403-266-1234 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.