ATHENS, Ga. --

An Athens-Clarke County police officer working off-duty at a Kroger was viciously attacked by a man with a butcher knife, police say.

Officials say Sgt. Courtney Gale was working off-duty in uniform at a Kroger grocery store on Alps Road in Athens Tuesday night when someone told her about a suspicious man who was opening meat in one of the store?s aisles.

Gale approached the man and authorities said he ?wantonly and viciously? attacked her with a butcher knife they believe he stole from the store.

Officials said Gale received numerous stab wounds and hospital officials said her injuries are serious.

Other citizens in the store were able to help the officer and subdue the suspect. Athens-Clarke County officials said after a brief foot chase, they arrested Steven Anthony Eberhart, 44. He has been charged with aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, aggravated assault, felony obstruction and misdemeanor obstruction.

Channel 2 has learned the officer?s family is coming from out of town to be with her at the hospital.

An account has been set up for the officer at SunTrust Bank. Anyone interested in making a donation to this account may do so at any SunTrust branch or mail to SunTrust Bank, Attention: Heidi Spratlin, 1022 Prince Ave, Athens, Georgia, 30606.