The attack was reported around 7:55 p.m. in the first block of Sixth Street, where the 54-year-old victim got into an argument with a man in her apartment, police spokesman Sgt. Mike Andraychak said.
The suspect then picked up the meat cleaver and used it to strike the woman several times, causing lacerations to her face and upper torso. She was taken to San Francisco General Hospital to be treated for her injuries, which are not considered life-threatening, Andraychak said.
The 51-year-old suspect fled but was later taken into custody by officers at Sixth and Jessie streets and allegedly had the meat cleaver with him, according to Andraychak. The man's name was not immediately being released this morning, he said.
After the victim and a witness also in the apartment during the incident identified the man as the attacker, he was booked into county jail on suspicion of attempted murder and aggravated assault, Andraychak said.