Charlotte, North Carolina, December 11, 2025
A 24-year-old man was critically injured in a recent stabbing on Charlotte’s Blue Line light rail, marking the second such incident in four months. The suspect, an undocumented immigrant with a criminal history, has been charged with attempted first-degree murder. This alarming trend has sparked discussions about public transit safety and immigration policy, as the community seeks enhanced security measures amidst declining ridership and growing unease among commuters.
Charlotte, North Carolina
Second Stabbing on Charlotte Light Rail in Four Months Raises Safety Concerns
On December 5, 2025, a 24-year-old man was critically injured in a stabbing on Charlotte’s Blue Line light rail. The suspect, 33-year-old Oscar Solarzano, was arrested shortly after the incident and charged with attempted first-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon. Solarzano, an undocumented immigrant with a history of prior convictions, had been previously banned from the transit system. The victim, Kenyon Kareem Dobie, remains hospitalized in critical but stable condition. This attack marks the second stabbing on Charlotte’s light rail since August, following the fatal stabbing of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska. The incident has intensified discussions about public transit safety and immigration enforcement in the region.
Details of the Incident
At approximately 4:50 p.m. on December 5, 2025, Charlotte-Mecklenburg police responded to reports of a stabbing near the 25th Street and North Brevard Street light rail station. Upon arrival, officers found Dobie with stab wounds; he was transported to a hospital in serious condition. Solarzano was apprehended shortly after the attack. According to police affidavits, the altercation began when Solarzano, who had been drinking on the train, started yelling. After another passenger intervened, Solarzano approached Dobie, and an argument ensued. During the confrontation, Solarzano allegedly pulled out a large fixed-blade knife and stabbed Dobie in the chest. Solarzano fled the scene but was apprehended by police shortly thereafter. He exhibited signs of intoxication, including red, glassy eyes, slurred speech, and a strong odor of alcohol. Solarzano admitted to consuming a significant amount of alcohol and to stabbing Dobie. He is currently being held without bond, with a court appearance scheduled for December 30, 2025. The Department of Homeland Security has lodged a detainer against him due to his immigration status.
Suspect’s Background
Solarzano, also known as Oscar Gerardo Solorzano-Garcia, has a criminal history spanning multiple states. In New Jersey, he was charged with simple assault and resisting arrest in 2009. In Florida, he faced charges including robbery causing bodily injury in 2012 and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon in 2016. He has been deported from the United States twice, in 2018 and 2021. In October 2025, Solarzano was cited for bringing a knife onto city property and for public intoxication, leading to a ban from the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) for a year and a half. However, due to a data entry error, officers were unaware of the prior citation, which would have resulted in an indefinite ban.
Impact on Public Transit Safety
This incident has reignited concerns about safety on Charlotte’s light rail system. In August 2025, the fatal stabbing of Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, prompted the enactment of “Iryna’s Law,” which limits cashless bail for certain violent and repeat offenders. Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden has expressed concerns that the law could lead to dangerous jail overcrowding, as it requires more suspects to be held for longer periods without providing additional funding or resources. The Mecklenburg County Detention Center population has already increased by 18% over the past year, raising safety concerns for both inmates and staff.
Community Response
Local residents have expressed unease following the recent stabbing. Regular light rail riders have reported a decline in ridership, with a 10% decrease in September and an 8% decrease in October, according to CATS data. Some commuters have questioned the safety of using public transit, leading to increased discussions about the need for enhanced security measures.
Conclusion
The stabbing on December 5, 2025, underscores ongoing challenges related to public transit safety and immigration enforcement in Charlotte. Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident and are considering additional measures to ensure the safety of commuters. The community remains vigilant, advocating for improved security and addressing underlying issues contributing to such incidents.
What happened in the December 5, 2025, stabbing on Charlotte’s light rail?
On December 5, 2025, a 24-year-old man was critically injured in a stabbing on Charlotte’s Blue Line light rail. The suspect, 33-year-old Oscar Solarzano, was arrested and charged with attempted first-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon. The victim, Kenyon Kareem Dobie, remains hospitalized in critical but stable condition. This incident marks the second stabbing on Charlotte’s light rail since August, following the fatal stabbing of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska. The attack has raised concerns about public transit safety and immigration enforcement in the region.
What is “Iryna’s Law” and how does it relate to the recent stabbing?
“Iryna’s Law,” enacted in August 2025, limits cashless bail for certain violent and repeat offenders. The law was prompted by the fatal stabbing of Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, on Charlotte’s light rail. Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden has expressed concerns that the law could lead to dangerous jail overcrowding, as it requires more suspects to be held for longer periods without providing additional funding or resources. The Mecklenburg County Detention Center population has already increased by 18% over the past year, raising safety concerns for both inmates and staff.
What is the current status of the suspect, Oscar Solarzano?
Oscar Solarzano, also known as Oscar Gerardo Solorzano-Garcia, is currently being held without bond following his arrest on December 5, 2025. He faces charges including attempted first-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon. Solarzano has a criminal history spanning multiple states and has been deported from the United States twice. The Department of Homeland Security has lodged a detainer against him due to his immigration status. His next court appearance is scheduled for December 30, 2025.
How has the community responded to the recent stabbing?
Following the December 5, 2025, stabbing, local residents have expressed unease about the safety of using Charlotte’s light rail system. Regular riders have reported a decline in ridership, with a 10% decrease in September and an 8% decrease in October, according to CATS data. Some commuters have questioned the safety of using public transit, leading to increased discussions about the need for enhanced security measures. The community remains vigilant, advocating for improved security and addressing underlying issues contributing to such incidents.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | December 5, 2025 |
| Location | Charlotte, North Carolina |
| Victim | Kenyon Kareem Dobie, 24 |
| Suspect | Oscar Solarzano, 33 |
| Charges Against Suspect | Attempted first-degree murder, assault with a deadly weapon |
| Suspect’s Immigration Status | Undocumented immigrant, previously deported twice |
| Previous Incidents | Fatal stabbing of Iryna Zarutska in August 2025 |
| Community Response | Decline in light rail ridership, increased safety concerns |
Now Happening on X
- @TBradleyNC (December 6, 2025, 10:56 AM) Recaps a violent day in Charlotte including a light rail stabbing, another stabbing near Eastway Dr, a man firing shots at police prompting a large response, and a shooting with a critically injured victim, calling for the National Guard. View on X
- @News3LV (December 10, 2025, 5:00 PM) Reports that two out of three Charlotte residents feel less safe than last year amid rising concerns after two light rail stabbings. View on X
- @Queen_City_News (December 6, 2025, 10:29 AM) Provides update on a man charged with attempted murder following a stabbing on Charlotte’s light rail by CMPD. View on X
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- @corechaincrypto (December 6, 2025, 9:30 AM) Breaks news of another stabbing on Charlotte light rail near 25th Street station, victim in critical but stable condition after chest wound; notes it’s the second such incident. View on X
- @WXII (December 6, 2025, 10:20 PM) Reports a stabbing along Charlotte light rail, linking to full story. View on X
- @JSBatza (December 11, 2025, 1:01 AM) Discusses stabbings on Charlotte’s light rail leaving residents uneasy, as 66% report declined safety. View on X
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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