STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.-- Police need the public's assistance locating a man wanted in connection with the stabbing of a 9-year-old Mariners Harbor boy Friday, according to a written statement from the NYPD's Deputy Commissioner for Public Information office.

Police describe him as a black male who was wearing dark clothing, the statement says. He is referred to as a suspect in the the written statement.

The NYPD released a surveillance video that shows the man following the victim,

r, while he was walking in the vicinity of Union Avenue and Leyden Avenue Friday at about 7:42 a.m

The suspect then walked up behind up and stabbed him in the neck, shoulder and head before fleeing the location, police said.

The victim was able to run home, where 911 was called. He was then transported to Richmond County University Medical Center where he was treated for his wounds and released, according to the statement.

Anyone with information is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-577-TIPS.

The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers Website or by texting tips to 274637(CRIMES) then enter TIP577.