Urgent: Previously Deported Man Charged in Charlotte Stabbing

URGENT UPDATE: A 33-year-old man, Oscar Solarzano, has been charged with attempted murder following a brutal stabbing on a Charlotte light rail train late Friday night. Authorities confirm that Solarzano, a previously deported individual, allegedly attacked Kenyon Dobie, stabbing him in the chest. The incident occurred on the Lynx Blue Line, the very same transit line where Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, was fatally stabbed just months prior on August 22.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) announced the charges early Saturday morning, stating Solarzano faces multiple counts, including attempted first-degree murder. He is currently being held without bond, as ordered by Magistrate Rebecca Howell. The victim, Dobie, is hospitalized with serious injuries but is reported to be in stable condition.

Solarzano’s quick apprehension by police occurred shortly after the incident, as detailed in CMPD’s official communications on social media. The department stated, “Solarzano was transported to the division office where he was interviewed by detectives.” Following the interview, he was taken into custody by the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office.

This alarming incident has reignited concerns over public safety in Charlotte, particularly on the city’s transit systems. Republican North Carolina Representative Mark Harris condemned the rising crime rates, stating, “Just months ago, Iryna Zarutska was brutally murdered on this very same Charlotte light-rail line.” He criticized local policies that he claims allow violent criminals to return to the streets.

The stabbing comes amid heightened scrutiny of immigration policies in North Carolina. Harris emphasized Solarzano’s illegal re-entry into the U.S., highlighting the implications of local political leadership on crime. “These are the folks NC’s pro-crime Democrats want to keep on the streets,” he asserted in a social media post.

Former Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley, a candidate for North Carolina’s upcoming Senate seat, echoed Harris’s sentiments, criticizing Democratic leadership for policies that he believes have contributed to increased crime. He stated, “This is Roy Cooper’s legacy,” referring to the former governor’s stance on immigration and law enforcement collaboration with ICE.

In response to growing public concern over violent crime, Iryna’s Law was enacted on December 1, aimed at increasing penalties for crimes committed on public transportation in North Carolina. This legislation was signed by Governor Josh Stein shortly after bipartisan approval. The law also seeks to address issues surrounding repeat offenders.

Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security launched Operation Charlotte’s Web on November 15, targeting criminal illegal immigrants in the area. The operation has already led to over 425 arrests, signaling a concerted effort to tackle crime associated with illegal immigration.

Officials and community leaders are urging immediate action to enhance public safety measures. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy expressed frustration on social media, questioning what it would take for local leaders to prioritize the safety of their constituents. “The time to act is NOW,” he wrote.

As investigations continue, Solarzano is scheduled for a court appearance on Monday morning. The community remains on edge, reflecting the urgent need for effective crime prevention strategies and public safety reforms in the wake of this horrific incident.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.