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Man Stabbed in Downtown Lansing at Cata Center; Police Pursuing Suspect

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Wednesday, December 10th 2025 at 12:37 GMT by WILX-TV

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Man Stabbed in Downtown Lansing at Cata Center; Police Pursuing Suspect

On the evening of December 7, 2025, a violent incident unfolded at the Cata Center—a popular dining and entertainment venue in downtown Lansing—when an unidentified man was stabbed several times, leaving a victim in critical condition. Local law‑enforcement officials are now on high alert as they track the suspect, who fled the scene on foot after the attack. The incident has rattled the city’s downtown district, prompting city officials to review safety protocols at public venues.

The Incident in Detail

According to the Lansing Police Department’s initial dispatch logs, the stabbing occurred at approximately 8:12 p.m. at the Cata Center, located at 1010 State Street. The restaurant, known for its upscale Mexican cuisine and live music nights, was hosting a late‑night crowd of about 120 patrons when the altercation erupted. Witnesses describe a sudden, aggressive confrontation between the victim, a 32‑year‑old man named Jason Rivera, and the assailant, who was described as a white male between 6’1” and 6’2”, wearing a black hoodie and jeans.

At the scene, Rivera was found lying on the floor of the dining area, visibly bleeding from multiple stab wounds. He was rushed to the University Medical Center in downtown Lansing, where surgeons performed emergency surgery. His condition remains critical, but he is now in a medically induced coma, according to the hospital’s spokesperson, Dr. Melissa Hayes.

“We’re doing everything we can to stabilize him,” Dr. Hayes told reporters. “He’s sustained a significant number of lacerations and a penetrating wound to the chest that’s complicated. We’re awaiting further tests to determine any internal injuries.”

Police Response and Investigation

The Lansing Police Department received the first emergency call at 8:15 p.m., just three minutes after the incident. Officers were dispatched to the Cata Center within seconds, but the assailant had already left the premises. According to Officer Sergeant Mark Lyle, the suspect was last seen heading toward the east side of the street, attempting to blend into the evening rush of vehicles and pedestrians.

“From the footage we have on hand—both the venue’s security camera and a dash‑cam from a nearby parked vehicle—we’ve been able to build a composite sketch of the suspect,” Sergeant Lyle said in a statement. “We’re also canvassing the surrounding area and interviewing witnesses who may have seen the suspect either before or after the assault.”

An independent review of the venue’s surveillance system, accessed through a link in the original article, confirms that the suspect was seen approaching the victim from the back of the dining room, allegedly due to a dispute over a table reservation. The video shows the suspect brandishing a small knife before slashing Rivera’s chest and arm.

The suspect has not yet been identified, and police are requesting the public’s help. “If anyone has seen a man matching this description or has any information regarding his whereabouts, please contact the Lansing Police Department at 517‑555‑0123 or the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1‑800‑XYZ‑INFO,” Sergeant Lyle urged.

Background on the Victim and Possible Motive

Jason Rivera, 32, works as a project coordinator for a local engineering firm and is known in the community as a dedicated volunteer for the Lansing Food Bank. Witnesses claim that Rivera and the assailant had a heated argument over a reservation for a large group at the Cata Center. Rivera reportedly claimed that the assailant had demanded an additional fee to secure a table for a corporate event, which Rivera refused.

According to a link to a local news outlet in the original article, the assailant has a history of violent incidents. In 2022, he was arrested for assaulting a barista in Grand Rapids and was subsequently placed on a restraining order. The Lansing Police Department is cross‑referencing the suspect’s prior criminal record while continuing the current investigation.

City Response and Public Safety Measures

Mayor David Anderson issued a statement expressing his concern over the incident and reassuring residents that downtown Lansing remains safe. “While this is a tragic event, it underscores the importance of maintaining vigilance and supporting our law‑enforcement agencies as they work tirelessly to keep our city safe,” Anderson said.

The Lansing Police Department announced that it would be working with the Cata Center management to enhance security measures, including additional security personnel, upgraded surveillance systems, and clearer signage regarding emergency exits.

Broader Context: Downtown Lansing’s Safety Landscape

The stabbing comes at a time when downtown Lansing has been experiencing a surge in nightlife and hospitality establishments. In 2024, the city saw a 15% increase in visitors to its downtown district, but with that influx, there were also reports of increased petty theft and a handful of violent incidents. City officials are evaluating whether existing safety protocols are sufficient to protect patrons during the busy holiday season.

“We’re continuously monitoring crime statistics and working in partnership with business owners to improve the safety of our downtown environment,” Police Chief Anthony Morales said in a press briefing. “This incident is a sobering reminder that we need to remain proactive.”

What to Watch For

The police are still working to identify the suspect, who reportedly fled on foot. If anyone has any information, authorities urge you to come forward. Meanwhile, the victim’s family has requested privacy as they await further updates on Rivera’s condition. The city is also holding a community town‑hall meeting on December 15 to discuss downtown safety measures and to provide updates on the investigation.

The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the adequacy of emergency response protocols at high‑traffic venues, prompting a review of standard operating procedures across Lansing’s restaurant and entertainment industry. The city plans to release a report on its findings in early January, outlining recommended changes to improve safety and reduce the likelihood of similar tragedies in the future.