Sheriff's deputies searching for assault suspect in Alden area

UPDATE: As of 6:15 a.m. Wednesday, the Alden Central School District says it will conduct classes as normal Wednesday.

1/18/17, ACSD will be open and run under normal operating procedures, which include secure entry ways at each of our buildings. @WACSNews

— Alden CSD (@AldenCSD) January 18, 2017

The Erie County Sheriff's Office is searching for a suspect wanted in an assault in the area of Broadway and Town Line roads in Alden.

Deputies addressed the media Tuesday afternoon on the incident.

According to Erie County Sheriff Tim Howard, a woman was stabbed near Town Line Lutheran Church around noon. She is currently being treated at a local hospital.

The man asked the woman if her name was_____ _____ when she responded he stabbed her. @WKBW

— Hannah Buehler (@HannahBuehler) January 17, 2017

Deputies say the victim indicted she may have been stalked and that this was a targeted incident.

Sheriffs office says the woman does not know her attacker but is thinking this is a targeted attack. @WKBW

— Hannah Buehler (@HannahBuehler) January 17, 2017

The suspect is described as a white male in his 30s wearing a gray hoodie and black hat.

The Alden School District was put on lockout for a period of time and ended the school day early. Students were released directly to their parents or guardians because of the incident.