Bicyclist Stabbed at Madeira Beach

A 57-year-old Madeira Beach man was stabbed this morning in an alley by  Publix, near the Tom Stuart Causeway, in Madeira Beach, according to a report from the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.

The victim was taken to Bayfront Medical Center for non-life threatening wounds.

The victim told deputies that he was riding his bicycle toward American Legion Drive when he was approached by a man, who also was on a bicycle.

The man told the victim he had dropped something on the ground. When the victim paused to lean over and look for the item, the suspect attacked him with a knife, the victim told deputies.

The victim received a puncture wound to the stomach and slashes to his left arm. He told investigators that he punched the suspect and fought off the attack. No valuables were taken.

Patrol deputies along with Sheriff's helicopter searched adjacent neighborhoods for the suspect. The serach continues.