Police are searching for a man believed to have stabbed a 50-year-old Bremerton man Monday afternoon less than four blocks from the Bremerton police station.

The suspect was described as a black male, about 6 foot tall, wearing a blue shirt.

Initial reports, broadcast for hours following the assault, described the suspect as white and about 5 foot 8 inches tall. Statements from officers following the incident described it as a robbery, but Sgt. Kevin Crane said Tuesday detectives were investigating it as an assault, rather than a robbery.

“We got it, we’re going forward on it, we are going to do what we can with it,” Crane said, adding officers are working with the victim to attempt to identify the suspect.

Crane said he could not explain the release of conflicting descriptions of the suspect and the incident.

“I have no idea,” Crane said. “There is a lot left unexplained on that.”

The assault near the intersection of Burwell Street and High Avenue was reported at 3:07 p.m.

The victim was stabbed at least twice in the upper body, in the shoulder area, Sgt. Rich Cronk said, but the wounds were not life-threatening. He was taken to Harrison Medical Center for treatment.

A police dog was brought to the scene to track the suspect, but he was not located.

Those with information on the assault can contact Bremerton Det. John Bogen at (360) 473-5487.