Many area residents and employees of businesses in the close-knit Haleiwa community hope a beloved assistant grocery store manager soon will recover from injuries he sustained when he was slashed in the neck Tuesday.

“I think he’s such a gem, such a genuine person,” said Marjorie Mariano, a sales representative at Pineapples Boutique who has known the victim, Jerry Pedro, for many years. “I’m just hoping he gets well.”

“We want to see him back. We need to see him back,” Mariano said.

Police arrested a 54-year-old man Tuesday afternoon after he allegedly slashed Pedro’s neck with a dangerous instrument at the Malama Market in Haleiwa, at 66-190 Kamehameha Highway.

The attack occurred shortly before 5:30 p.m. It’s not immediately clear what happened prior to the attack. Emergency Medical Services transported Pedro, 52, to a trauma hospital in serious condition. Malama Market spokeswoman Sheryl Toda said Wednesday he is in stable condition.

“We are shocked and saddened by the tragic incident that took place at Malama Market Haleiwa yesterday. Our hearts and prayers go out to our brave employees, especially our assistant manager who was injured during the assault,” Toda said in an emailed statement. “Everyone throughout our company is praying for his recovery and healing.”

Police arrested the suspect on suspicion of attempted second-degree murder and criminal contempt of court. Employees of neighboring businesses said the suspect is homeless.

The suspect has an extensive criminal record that includes terroristic threatening, harassment, abuse of a family or household member, assault, assault of a police officer, criminal trespassing and disorderly conduct.

Tears welled up in Mariano’s eyes Wednesday as she stood in the boutique, which is near the grocery store, when she learned Pedro was attacked. “My heart sank,” she said.

Mariano, who regularly shops at Malama Market, said, “He’s very good with everybody.”

“He’s so dedicated. He’s such a hard worker. He’s always there.”

Deja Lunasco, manager at Spaghettini, which is near Malama Market, said she heard from Pedro’s niece that he underwent surgery Tuesday night. “It’s just so sad,” Lunasco said. “I hope Jerry’s OK. Such a nice man.”

Anna Swim, owner of Waialua Bakery, next to the grocery store, said, “He always goes out of his way to say hi.” Swim said she was at the bakery Tuesday afternoon when one of her employees told her Pedro was attacked and lying on the market floor. “I couldn’t believe it.”

Malama Market remained closed Wednesday and is expected to reopen today. The market is providing counseling to employees and has hired security.

Toda said, “While this was an isolated incident, we have hired security personnel as an extra precaution and for the comfort of our employees and customers.”