A violent attack unfolded on a Charlotte, North Carolina, light rail Friday afternoon, leaving one man critically injured. The suspect, identified as Oscar Solarzano, 33, now faces serious charges including attempted first-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon.
Court records reveal a disturbing detail: Solarzano is an undocumented immigrant with a prior deportation. This revelation has fueled intense scrutiny as investigators piece together the events leading up to the brutal stabbing.
Police responded to reports of an assault around 4:49 p.m., discovering Kenyon Kareem-Shemar Dobie suffering from a stab wound. Dobie was immediately transported to a hospital, his condition initially critical but later stabilized.
The attack wasn’t a random act of violence. Warrants indicate Solarzano forcibly entered a railroad car, allegedly intending to commit a felony, and was armed with a large fixed-blade knife.
Witnesses described a scene of escalating aggression. Solarzano, reportedly intoxicated, aggressively challenged Dobie to a fight, unleashing a barrage of curses and slurred, unintelligible shouts at those nearby.
Authorities are working to confirm the full extent of Solarzano’s past, uncovering known aliases including Solarzano-Garcia, Oscar Herardo, and Kevin Garcia. The investigation continues to reveal layers of complexity.
Due to his immigration status and prior deportation, Solarzano is currently being held without bond. He is scheduled for a court appearance on December 8th, after which he will be transferred to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody.
This incident echoes a tragic event from earlier this year. Just months ago, Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, was fatally stabbed on the same LYNX Blue Line light rail while commuting home from work.
Decarlos Brown Jr., 34, has been charged in Zarutska’s death with a capital offense under federal law – violence against a railroad carrier resulting in death. The community is grappling with a sense of fear and vulnerability.
The recent attacks have sparked a wave of public reaction, with calls for increased safety measures and accountability. Concerns are mounting about the security of public transportation within the city.
The Department of Homeland Security, ICE, and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department are continuing their investigations, seeking to understand the circumstances surrounding both incidents and prevent future tragedies.
