A man is in hospital in unstable condition and his alleged 39-year-old attacker has been arrested after an unprovoked stabbing in the parking lot of a St. James strip mall on Friday night, according to Winnipeg police.

"[It was] life-threatening, horrific, officers arrived on scene to see other people control very serious bleeding to this individual who very easily could have died as a result of these wounds," said Const. Rob Carver.

Police say the man stabbed around 8:15 p.m. following a dispute with another man in a parking lot at Ness Avenue near Moray Street.

The victim and the suspect did not know each other, according to police, who believe the attack was unprovoked.

"[The victim was] confronted by this individual who was upset at someone or something [and] started trying to damage the victim's car, there was some screaming....and he was hit without provocation."

"As a citizen of the city myself... the level of violence is alarming, and it's alarming to myself and my colleagues," said Carver.

The victim was taken to hospital, where his condition has since been upgraded to stable, police said.

The 39-year-old man was arrested in connection with the assault shortly after the incident. He has been charged with aggravated assault and two counts of failure to comply with a recognizance.

Police were seen Friday night placing identification markers in the parking lot, in front of an Anytime Fitness gym. At least six police cars were at the location, with witnesses saying they saw multiple canine units in the area, as the police helicopter circled above.