FOLEY – Foley police have identified a suspect in the stabbing of a woman in Heritage Park on Wednesday.
Police are searching for Bernard Christopher Abney, 40, of Mobile. Abney will charged with one felony count of second-degree assault – assault with a deadly weapon – and one felony count of first-degree attempted rape.
Police are asking for help from the public in locating Abney. The suspect is believed to be homeless and stays between people he may know and homeless encampments. He also frequents venues that assist the homeless.
Abney may have returned to the Mobile area.
Abney is considered dangerous and has a history of weapons and violence. He should not be approached by the public. Police are asking for information that may help him be located and arrested.
The suspect is 5-feet, 6-inches tall, and weighs 210 lbs.
The woman was attacked on the Wilbourne Antique Rose Trail on Wednesday evening. Police received a 911 call at 5:40 p.m. The caller reported that a woman had run into a business and said that she had been stabbed.
Police arrived at the scene and found that the woman had been stabbed in the arm, torso and thigh. She was taken to University Hospital for treatment of injuries that were described as non-life threatening.
The woman has been released and is recovering at home.
Police said the victim’s strength and tenacity coupled with fighting back likely ended the attack and possibly saved her life.
Police Chief Thurston Bullock said this case has created a sense of fear within Foley citizens, and the investigation has been an “all hands on deck” case. Through the great team work of employees, diligent effort in the investigation by detectives, and the assistance and tips generated by the public, police have been able to identify a suspect and establish probable cause for arrest warrants in the case
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the Foley Police Department at 251-943-4431.