SHERMAN OAKS—A grocery store employee in Sherman Oaks was stabbed Tuesday, August 25, while taking out the trash, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. The attack took place at the Pavilions shopping center at 14845 Ventura Blvd.

According to police, the suspect had been loitering in the area before following the employee into an elevator before 11 p.m. as he was heading down to take out the trash. The suspect approached him on foot, pulled out a knife, and stabbed him before fleeing on foot.

The victim was taken to the hospital, where he is reported to be in stable condition. Law enforcement described the assailant only as a man, possibly wearing glasses. No additional details about the incident have been released.

According to City News Service, a representative for Albertsons, the company that owns Vons and Pavilions stated:

“The safety of our associates and customers is our top priority. We are aware of the incident that occurred outside our store and are focused on supporting our associate. Because this is an active investigation, we cannot provide additional details at this time.”