An argument over noise at a Lompoc motel late Thursday night led to the stabbing of a 19-year-old man who was taken to Lompoc Hospital, police said.

Joseph Leone, of Lompoc, was in stable condition at midmorning, a hospital spokeswoman said.

The suspect fled and is being sought by police. He is a white male, 25 to 32 years old, 5-feet-10 to 6-feet tall, 180 to 200 pounds, blond or light brown hair, mustache and goatee. He was last scene wearing a black baseball hat, dark T-shirt and light-colored pants or long shorts, according to police.

Police said the argument began about 10 p.m. Thursday at Lompoc Motel 6, 1521 North H St.

BThe dispute seemed to have arisen over the suspect being angry over the victim and his friends making too much noise,C Sgt. Joe Bailey said in a statement. BThe dispute escalated to a physical confrontation and the suspected used a knife or other sharp instrument to stab the victim in the abdomen.C

The suspect and Leone do not appear to know each other, police said. The investigation is continuing, with police trying to determine whether the suspect was a guest at the motel or was on the property for some other reason.