Charlotte, February 17, 2026
A recent arrest in connection with a stabbing on a Charlotte light rail train has sparked concerns about public safety in the city’s transit system. Oscar Solarzano, 33, faces multiple charges, including attempted first-degree murder. This incident follows a series of violent events on Charlotte’s public transportation, including the tragic stabbing of a Ukrainian refugee in 2025. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding these incidents, calling into question the safety measures on the CATS light rail.
Charlotte
A recent arrest has been made in connection with a stabbing on a Charlotte light rail train, occurring within the last 48 hours. Oscar Solarzano, 33, faces five charges, including attempted first-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury. The arrest signifies ongoing efforts to address violent incidents on the city’s public transit system.
This incident marks another serious event on the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) light rail, drawing renewed attention to public safety concerns. Solarzano’s apprehension came approximately 22 hours prior to current reporting, initiating legal proceedings for the alleged violent act.
Recent Incidents Highlight Transit Safety Concerns
The latest stabbing follows a series of high-profile incidents that have raised significant questions about security on public transportation in Charlotte. Just over two months prior, on December 5, 2025, another individual was arrested following a separate stabbing on a North Carolina commuter train. This earlier December incident occurred months after a previous fatal attack that garnered national attention.
The most widely recognized and tragic of these events was the fatal stabbing of Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, on August 22, 2025. Zarutska was attacked aboard a Charlotte Area Transit System light rail train. The suspect in her death, Decarlos Brown Jr., was subsequently charged with first-degree murder.
National Attention and Federal Response
The killing of Iryna Zarutska sparked a federal crime crackdown in Charlotte and drew significant national attention. Former President Trump publicly condemned the Charlotte stabbing of the Ukrainian woman. The incident, along with the subsequent arrest of Brown Jr. who had a criminal history, also fueled a national debate on crime and public safety, particularly concerning public transit. Brown Jr. was later indicted on a federal charge related to the stabbing.
These recurring violent acts underscore the challenges faced by metropolitan areas in ensuring the safety of commuters. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the most recent stabbing and previous incidents, as the community seeks solutions to enhance security on its public transportation networks.
Key Features of Recent Charlotte Light Rail Incidents
| Date | Event Description | Suspect/Outcome | Notable Impact/Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 16, 2026 | Stabbing on Charlotte light rail train | Oscar Solarzano, 33, arrested and charged with attempted first-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon serious injury. | Local focus, recent incident within last 48 hours. |
| December 5, 2025 | Separate stabbing incident on North Carolina commuter train | Suspect arrested (name not specified in snippets). | Occurred months after the Iryna Zarutska case. |
| August 22, 2025 | Fatal stabbing of Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, on Charlotte light rail. | Decarlos Brown Jr. charged with first-degree murder and later indicted on a federal charge. | Sparked a federal crime crackdown in Charlotte. Drew national attention. Fueled national debate on crime and public safety. |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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