Charlotte, North Carolina, December 7, 2025
A 33-year-old man has been charged with attempted murder following a stabbing incident on a Charlotte commuter train, marking the second attack since August. The victim is hospitalized in critical condition. The suspect, Oscar Solarzano, is being held without bond and is in the U.S. illegally. The incident has raised community safety concerns as authorities are urged to enhance security measures on public transit.
Charlotte, North Carolina
Second Stabbing Attack on Charlotte Commuter Train Since August
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A 33-year-old man has been charged with critically injuring another person in a stabbing on a Charlotte commuter train, marking the second such incident since August. Oscar Solarzano was charged with attempted first-degree murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and other crimes following the Friday afternoon attack. The victim suffered a stab wound and was hospitalized in critical but stable condition. Solarzano is being held without bond and is scheduled for a court appearance on Monday. Authorities have stated that he is in the U.S. illegally and had previously been deported. An arrest warrant indicates that Solarzano appeared intoxicated and challenged the victim to a fight before the stabbing. This incident follows the August killing of 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska on a Charlotte commuter train, which led to increased immigration enforcement in the area.
Details of the Recent Attack
The stabbing occurred on a Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) light rail train. Police responded to the scene around 4:49 p.m. and found the victim with a stab wound in the 1800 block of North Brevard Street. The victim was transported to a hospital and remains in critical but stable condition. Solarzano was arrested and charged with attempted first-degree murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and other related crimes. He is currently being held without bond and is scheduled for a court appearance on Monday.
Background on Previous Incident
In August, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, Iryna Zarutska, was killed on a Charlotte commuter train. The suspect, Decarlos Brown Jr, was charged with first-degree murder in state court and indicted in federal court. Zarutska had fled a war-torn region and was beginning her new life in the U.S. when tragedy struck.
Reactions and Responses
The recent stabbing has raised concerns about the safety of Charlotte’s light rail system. Local residents and officials are calling for increased security measures to prevent further incidents. The governor of North Carolina expressed concern over the attack and stated he is in contact with the new Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department chief about the situation.
Legal Proceedings
Solarzano is scheduled for a court appearance on Monday morning in Mecklenburg County District Court. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Safety Measures and Community Concerns
In response to the recent attacks, community members are advocating for enhanced security measures on public transit. Calls for increased police presence and surveillance on trains have been echoed by local residents and officials. The community remains vigilant and concerned about the safety of commuters.
Conclusion
The stabbing of a 33-year-old man on a Charlotte commuter train highlights ongoing safety concerns within the city’s public transit system. Authorities are actively investigating the incident and are committed to implementing measures to ensure the safety of all passengers. The community continues to seek justice and improved security in the wake of these events.
FAQ
What happened in the recent stabbing incident on the Charlotte commuter train?
A 33-year-old man, Oscar Solarzano, was charged with critically injuring another person in a stabbing on a Charlotte commuter train. The victim suffered a stab wound and was hospitalized in critical but stable condition. Solarzano is being held without bond and is scheduled for a court appearance on Monday. Authorities have stated that he is in the U.S. illegally and had previously been deported. An arrest warrant indicates that Solarzano appeared intoxicated and challenged the victim to a fight before the stabbing.
How does this incident relate to the previous stabbing in August?
This incident follows the August killing of 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska on a Charlotte commuter train, which led to increased immigration enforcement in the area.
What are the authorities doing in response to these incidents?
Authorities are actively investigating the incidents and have increased immigration enforcement in Charlotte. The governor expressed concern over the recent stabbing and stated he is in contact with the new Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department chief about the situation.
What safety measures are being considered for Charlotte’s light rail system?
In response to the recent attacks, community members are advocating for enhanced security measures on public transit. Calls for increased police presence and surveillance on trains have been echoed by local residents and officials. The community remains vigilant and concerned about the safety of commuters.
What is the current status of the suspect, Oscar Solarzano?
Solarzano is scheduled for a court appearance on Monday morning in Mecklenburg County District Court. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Charlotte, North Carolina |
| Incident | Stabbing on a Charlotte commuter train |
| Suspect | Oscar Solarzano, 33 years old |
| Charges | Attempted first-degree murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and other crimes |
| Victim’s Condition | Critical but stable |
| Suspect’s Status | Held without bond, scheduled for court appearance on Monday |
| Previous Incident | August killing of Iryna Zarutska, 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee |
| Community Response | Calls for increased security measures on public transit |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Gunfire Damages Eastridge Mall Doors in Gastonia
LaMelo Ball Exits Game with Ankle Injury; Hornets Secure Win Over Raptors
Stabbing Incident on Charlotte Light Rail Highlights Safety Concerns
NASCAR Faces Legal Hurdles Over Antitrust Allegations
USCIS Cuts Employment Authorization Validity for Noncitizens
USDA Suspends Neese’s Production Over Food Safety Violations
Drunken Raccoon Causes Havoc in Virginia Liquor Store
Atrium Health to Build New Hospital Campus in Fort Mill
Understanding Iryna’s Law: Impact on North Carolina’s Justice System
Charlotte’s Data Center Surge: Pricey and Power-Hungry
Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
