Police are searching for a knife-wielding suspect whom they say targeted a woman in South Salem Wednesday night.

Police say the male suspect approached the woman while she was walking her neighbor's dog near Bouton and Gilbert streets at around 11:30 p.m. They say he grabbed her from behind and stabbed her several times as she tried to fight him off.

The victim was treated for her wounds and is expected to be OK.

Nearby residents say they are stunned by the violence, since the area is usually pretty quiet.

Police describe the suspect as 6 feet tall and say he was wearing a dark-colored hooded jacket or shirt at the time.

A $2,500 cash reward is being offered to anyone with information leading to an arrest and conviction.