Foley police are searching for a man they believe stabbed and attempted to rape a woman in a park late Wednesday afternoon.

Investigators say once he’s found, Bernard Christopher Abney, 40, of Mobile will be charged with 1st-degree attempted rape and 2nd-degree assault with a deadly weapon.

The attacked occurred on the Wilbourne Antique Rose Trail in Foley. Police were notified via 911 about 5:40 p.m. that a woman had run into a business, saying she had been stabbed.

Officers responding to the call found the woman suffering from stab wounds to the arm, torso and thigh. She was taken to University Hospital for treatment of injuries that were described as non-life-threatening. She was treated and is recovering at her home.

Police say the woman’s efforts in fighting off her attacker likely staved off the attack and possibly saved her life.

Abney is described as a Black male, standing 5-6 and weighing 210 pounds, with brown eyes.

He should be considered armed and dangerous. Investigators say he has a criminal history which indicates he is a violent offender. Members of the public should not approach Abney, but anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call 911 or the Foley Police Department at 251-943-4431.

Foley police chief Thurston Bullock said the attack has “created a sense of fear within Foley citizens and the investigation has been an ‘all hands on deck’ case,” according to a release from the department.