Officer Jonathan Linzey was stabbed in the back of the head when he showed up at a house near Van Ness and Home Avenue around 5 a.m. Monday.
Police say the suspect, 25-year-old Michael Crockell, was released from prison six months ago.
Investigators say he stabbed two women multiple times. Lisa Gilvary died.
The other woman was taken to the hospital, where she is expected to survive. Investigators say Crockell stabbed the officer when they tried to take the suspect into custody.
Linzey is said to be in good spirits at home.