MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – Police have confirmed the arrest of a suspect in connection with a stabbing that they said left one man in critical condition Tuesday night at a restaurant in west Miami-Dade.
Authorities have since identified the suspect as 35-year-old Jose Javier Rivero. He’s facing charges of attempted second degree murder with a deadly weapon and aggravated battery.
Miami-Dade police said Rivero was harassing a waitress at a nearby business, which led to a fight between him and a Good Samaritan. The altercation spilled outside, where Rivero allegedly stabbed the victim multiple times before fleeing, according to investigators.
Police said the victim was rushed to HCA Florida Kendall Hospital in critical condition. Witnesses told Local 10 that the victim is 39 years old and underwent emergency surgery overnight.
Rivero, who police initially described as a “short man with blue hair,” returned to the scene Wednesday afternoon, where he was recognized by patrons in the plaza located on Southwest Eighth Street.
Witnesses quickly alerted police and took action to prevent his escape.
A chaotic scene unfolded as bystanders cornered Rivero, calling 911 while pursuing him.
Police said officers responded swiftly, with officers arriving on the scene to detain Rivero.
Local 10′s Bridgette Matter, who made the initial 911 call, asked Rivero about Tuesday night’s stabbing incident after officers placed him in handcuffs.
“Did you stab that man last night?” Matter asked.
“Back up! Back up! Ya’ll not supposed to be this close,” he replied.
Rivero was later placed into custody and taken for questioning.
“The subject was harassing employees within the business,” said Detective Andre Martin, an MDPD spokesman.
Authorities said Rivero’s return to the plaza Wednesday brought the incident full circle, with a dramatic takedown captured by those at the scene.
The waitress who had been harassed confirmed to Local 10 News that the man taken into custody was the same individual from Tuesday night’s confrontation.
Miami-Dade police said they will continue to investigate the incident.
No other details about the man’s motive as to why the stabbing occurred were disclosed by police.
Authorities said the victim remains in critical condition as of Wednesday night.