MADISON, Wis. -- Police said they are looking for a person of interest in connection with the stabbing death of a 31-year-old Madison area man near Park Street on Monday.

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The victim was found unresponsive in an alley just off the 700 block of South Park Street, near West Shore Drive. Police said that a call to emergency services was placed at 1:22 p.m. by employees of the nearby Design Craft Advertising.

The man, identified as Joel Marino, was transported to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead at about 2:01 p.m. Authorities said that they are treating the death as a homicide.

In a news conference on Tuesday afternoon, Dane County Coroner John Stanley said it appeared Marino died from a stabbing.

"We've determined that Mr. Marino died of multiple penetrating wounds from a sharp instrument," Stanley said.

Stanley declined to identify what kind of object caused Marino's injuries. Police said it's possible that the stabbing took place inside Marino's home, and that he attempted to make his way across the street to St. Mary's Hospital to get help.

Detectives said at this point they can't rule out that this might have been a random act. That news has concerned some residents, who said it's a popular area for walking, biking, jogging along Monona Bay.

Diana McCaughey, who lives next to Marino's home, said he was a "nice young man." She said neighbors are concerned about the fact that this crime could be completely random.

"It's kind of scary," McCaughey said. "I asked the policeman last night, 'Do I have to be afraid?' And he said, 'Just take your precautions like you always do (and) keep your doors locked.'"

Alderwoman Julie Kerr, who represents the district where Marino was found, echoed the uncertainty she has heard from residents.

"I think people are very concerned," Kerr said. "I think most people consider this to be a fairly safe neighborhood, and obviously when something like this happens anywhere in our city, people are very concerned."

Police said there have been no recent problems in the neighborhood. They said there were a few burglaries but nothing out of the ordinary. Police said that it is usually a safe area.

Authorities said that a person of interest is being sought in connection to the victim's death. The man, who was seen in the area at the time, is described as 6 feet to 6 feet 1 inch tall. He was last seen wearing a white stocking cap with a red "W" on the front and a tan, sheepskin-type jacket and was carrying a gray backpack, which appeared to be new. The man's race is unknown.

Police said that anyone with information on this case is urged to call Crime Stoppers at 608-266-6014.

To allay neighborhood concern, officials said that a meeting has been scheduled for 6 p.m. on Wednesday at St. Mary's Hospital. The meeting will be an open forum for neighborhood residents, businesses, police and alders, WISC-TV reported.

The death is Dane County's first homicide of the year. The county had eight last year

Stay tuned to WISC-TV and Channel 3000 for continuing coverage.