Cedar Park Officers Shoot Suspect After Bar Stabbing and Motorcycle Pursuit

Location & Victims
In Cedar Park, Texas, at the 1800 block of South Lakeline Boulevard, a chaotic evening unfolded on Sunday, November 2, 2025. The stabbing victim has been identified as Justin Dearing, age 40, of Leander, Texas. The suspect, later involved in a police-involved shooting, is Jacob Allen, age 24, of Cedar Park.

Incident Details
According to the Cedar Park Police Department (CPPD), officers were dispatched at approximately 9:55 p.m. after receiving reports of a stabbing at Top Spin Karaoke & Wing Bar. Upon arrival, they found Justin Dearing suffering from multiple stab wounds. Paramedics immediately treated him and transported him to a local hospital, where he remains in stable condition.

Meanwhile, Jacob Allen had already fled the scene on a motorcycle before officers arrived. Law enforcement issued an alert, and patrol units soon spotted him traveling along Lakeline Boulevard. A short pursuit followed, during which Allen stopped his motorcycle in a traffic lane, dismounted, and allegedly produced a handgun. Officers ordered him to drop the weapon, but Allen reportedly refused. Moments later, officers opened fire.

Despite immediate life-saving efforts by police and emergency responders, Jacob Allen passes at the scene. Officers administered CPR and first aid until paramedics arrived, but his injuries proved fatal.

Suspect Background & Officers Involved
Authorities confirmed that Jacob Allen was known to law enforcement and had a prior criminal history including weapons violations, obstruction, and assault-related offenses. He had also reportedly made threats toward officers in the past.

Two officers were directly involved in the shooting: K-9 Officer Erik Detlefsen, a 22-year veteran of the force, and Sergeant Ryan Zander, a 9-year veteran. Both officers have been placed on paid administrative leave in accordance with department policy, which is standard procedure following an officer-involved shooting.

Investigation & Community Reaction
The fatal shooting marks the first officer-involved shooting in Cedar Park since 2020. The Texas Rangers, working alongside the Cedar Park Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit, have launched a full investigation into the incident. Body-camera footage, dash-camera video, forensic analysis, and witness interviews are being reviewed as part of the inquiry.

Nearby residents described the scene as chaotic, with police vehicles and emergency lights filling the area late into the night. Witnesses said the karaoke bar, usually a popular and relaxed hangout spot, turned into a scene of panic as patrons ran for safety when the stabbing began. Many expressed shock that such violence erupted in their quiet suburban community.

Local officials have promised transparency throughout the investigation. The Cedar Park Police Department plans to release a critical incident video summarizing the event once the initial evidence review is complete.

Timeline of Events

• 9:55 p.m. – Police respond to reports of a stabbing at Top Spin Karaoke & Wing Bar.
• Upon arrival – Officers find Justin Dearing with multiple stab wounds; he is transported to the hospital.
• Shortly after – Suspect Jacob Allen flees on a motorcycle, prompting a brief pursuit.
• Traffic stop – Allen stops in a traffic lane, dismounts, and allegedly points a handgun.
• Confrontation – Officers fire their weapons; Allen passes at the scene despite medical aid.
• Post-incident – Officers placed on leave; Texas Rangers and CPPD begin investigation.

Legal & Procedural Developments
Investigators are now examining whether the officers’ actions complied with department policy and state law. The review will consider whether de-escalation techniques were attempted, if the pursuit followed policy, and if the officers’ use of force was justified given the threat level.

The district attorney’s office will receive the completed investigation for review, and any findings of misconduct or violations could result in further actions. Meanwhile, community advocates are calling for greater oversight and public access to officer body-camera footage.

For Justin Dearing, the stabbing victim, recovery continues in hospital. Detectives are still working to determine what led to the altercation inside the karaoke bar — whether it was a targeted attack, a dispute that escalated, or a random act of violence. Witness statements and surveillance footage will be key in understanding motive.

Community Impact
The incident has deeply affected Cedar Park residents. Many have expressed support for local law enforcement while also calling for accountability and clear communication. The karaoke bar has temporarily closed out of respect for those affected and to assist the ongoing investigation.

This tragic event — beginning with a stabbing and ending with a fatal police encounter — has underscored the unpredictable dangers first responders face and the fragile balance between public safety and use-of-force decisions.

In summary, Jacob Allen, 24, of Cedar Park, allegedly stabbed Justin Dearing, 40, at a karaoke bar before fleeing on a motorcycle. When confronted by officers, Allen reportedly produced a firearm, leading police to open fire. Allen passes at the scene despite medical efforts, while Dearing remains in stable condition. The Texas Rangers and Cedar Park Police Department continue to investigate the full circumstances of the case.

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