A 31-year-old woman was stabbed multiple times while defending her sister from a knife-wielding man on a downtown Oakland sidewalk.

A 31-year-old woman was stabbed multiple times on a downtown Oakland sidewalk after stepping in to protect her 21-year-old sister from a man armed with a knife, Hoodline reported.

The attack happened at about 5:35 p.m. in the 1300 block of Broadway, according to Hoodline. The man initially targeted the younger sister, swinging the knife at her twice and missing both times before the older sibling intervened.

The 31-year-old was treated for at least two stab wounds and remained in stable condition as of Wednesday, Hoodline reported.

The younger woman pepper-sprayed the attacker, who then fled on foot before police arrived, according to Hoodline. No arrest has been reported and the suspect's whereabouts remain unknown.

The Mercury News reported initial police details of the incident, according to Hoodline.