A 39-year-old Portland man suffered life-threatening injuries when he was shot on Preble Street Tuesday night.

The shooting near the Public Market Parking Garage was reported just after 10 p.m.

The victim was treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to Maine Medical Center, where he underwent surgery.

Portland Police Lt. Robert Martin said late Wednesday night that the victim was still in critical, but stable condition. Martin said no one has been arrested.

Police say the man was shot after a brief argument with an unknown white man, who was last seen running west on Cumberland Avenue.

Although the suspect remains at large, police say they do not believe the shooting was a random act or that there is any danger to the public.

It appears the two men knew each other, according to police.

“We are very fortunate that no one else was injured during this incident and that the victim is expected to survive,” Martin said.

The suspect is described as approximately 6 feet tall and 200 pounds, with shoulder-length brown hair.

He was wearing a dark pullover hooded jacket and dark cargo pants.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call police at 874-8575.

Gillian Graham can be contacted at:

ggraham@pressherald.com