Charlotte, North Carolina, December 10, 2025
A stabbing incident on a Charlotte commuter train has raised serious concerns about safety in public transit. Oscar Solarzano, 33, has been charged with attempted murder after he stabbed 24-year-old Kenyon Kareem Dobie, who remains in critical condition. This incident follows a previous stabbing in August and highlights issues surrounding immigration enforcement and public safety in the area. Local authorities are now calling for better safety measures on public transit to protect commuters from similar violent acts.
Charlotte, North Carolina
Stabbing Incident on Charlotte Commuter Train Raises Safety Concerns
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A 33-year-old man, Oscar Solarzano, has been charged with attempted first-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon following a stabbing incident on a Charlotte commuter train. The victim, 24-year-old Kenyon Kareem Dobie, is currently in critical but stable condition. Solarzano is being held without bond and is reported to be in the U.S. illegally, having been previously deported. This incident marks the second stabbing on a Charlotte train since August, raising concerns about public transit safety and immigration enforcement.
Details of the Incident
The stabbing occurred on Friday afternoon aboard the city’s Blue Line. According to police reports, Solarzano initiated an altercation with Dobie, leading to the stabbing. Dobie confronted Solarzano for yelling at an elderly woman, which escalated into the violent incident. Solarzano was arrested at the scene and charged with attempted first-degree murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and other related offenses. His next court appearance is scheduled for December 30. The Department of Homeland Security has lodged a detainer against him, indicating his immigration status is under review. Solarzano had been previously banned from Charlotte Area Transit Service property in October, though specific details about the ban are currently under investigation.
Background Context
This stabbing follows a similar incident in August, where 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska was fatally stabbed on the same transit system. In response to that tragedy, North Carolina enacted “Iryna’s Law” on December 1, aiming to tighten bail restrictions for certain violent and repeat offenders. However, 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 jail population in Mecklenburg County has already increased by 18% over the past year, raising safety concerns for both inmates and staff.
The recent stabbing has also drawn national attention, including comments from President Donald Trump, who highlighted the suspect’s illegal immigration status. This has reignited debates over immigration enforcement and public safety in Charlotte. The Department of Homeland Security has conducted recent immigration crackdowns in the area, lodging detainers against individuals like Solarzano.
Community Response
In the wake of these incidents, local authorities and community leaders are calling for increased safety measures on public transit. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has launched initiatives such as “Operation Safe Season” and “Operation Charlotte’s Web,” focused on removing violent offenders from the community. Additionally, city officials are emphasizing the need for collaboration between local law enforcement and federal agencies to address the complex issues of crime and immigration enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What charges has Oscar Solarzano faced?
Oscar Solarzano has been charged with attempted first-degree murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and other related offenses following the stabbing incident on a Charlotte commuter train.
What is “Iryna’s Law” and how does it relate to this incident?
“Iryna’s Law” is legislation enacted in North Carolina on December 1, 2025, aimed at tightening bail restrictions for certain violent and repeat offenders. The law was named after Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee who was fatally stabbed on a Charlotte train in August. The recent stabbing of Oscar Solarzano has raised concerns about the law’s potential impact on jail overcrowding and public safety.
How has the community responded to the recent stabbing incidents?
In response to the recent stabbing incidents, local authorities and community leaders in Charlotte are calling for increased safety measures on public transit. Initiatives such as “Operation Safe Season” and “Operation Charlotte’s Web” have been launched to remove violent offenders from the community. Additionally, there is an emphasis on collaboration between local law enforcement and federal agencies to address the complex issues of crime and immigration enforcement.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Suspect’s Name | Oscar Solarzano |
| Age | 33 |
| Charges | Attempted first-degree murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and other related offenses |
| Victim’s Name | Kenyon Kareem Dobie |
| Victim’s Age | 24 |
| Location of Incident | Charlotte, North Carolina, on the Blue Line commuter train |
| Previous Deportations | Twice deported from the U.S. |
| Legal Status | Under immigration detainer by the Department of Homeland Security |
| Related Legislation | “Iryna’s Law,” enacted on December 1, 2025, tightening bail restrictions for certain offenders |
| Community Response | Calls for increased safety measures on public transit and collaboration between local and federal authorities |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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