Urgent: Suspect in Charlotte Stabbing Linked to Deportation History

UPDATE: A violent incident on the Charlotte light rail has led to the arrest of Oscar Solarzano, a 33-year-old suspect charged with attempted first-degree murder. This shocking event unfolded on the night of December 5, 2025, when Solarzano allegedly stabbed Kenyon Dobie in the chest, marking a chilling connection to a previous fatal attack on the same transit line.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) announced Solarzano’s arrest early Saturday morning, confirming he was in the U.S. illegally after having been deported in the past. His arraignment is scheduled for Monday morning as he remains in custody without bond.

This incident reignites fears in the Charlotte community, especially as it follows the brutal murder of Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, who was fatally stabbed on the same Lynx Blue Line just months ago. The community is still reeling from that tragedy.

“Just months ago, Iryna Zarutska was brutally murdered on this very same Charlotte light-rail line,” stated Rep. Mark Harris, expressing outrage over what he described as a “violent crime epidemic” in the city.

According to CMPD, officers apprehended Solarzano shortly after the stabbing incident. He was interviewed at the division office before being taken into custody. As a result of the stabbing, Dobie was rushed to a local hospital and is currently in stable condition.

The implications of this incident extend beyond immediate safety concerns. North Carolina’s new legislation, known as Iryna’s Law, went into effect on December 1, intended to increase penalties for crimes committed on public transit and to tighten pretrial release for repeat offenders. The law was signed by Gov. Josh Stein just ten days after being passed by the Republican-controlled legislature.

In a related operation, the Department of Homeland Security launched Operation Charlotte’s Web on November 15, targeting criminal illegal immigrants. This operation has reportedly resulted in over 425 arrests to date, indicating a concerted effort to address public safety concerns in the region.

Former Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley criticized former Democratic Governor Roy Cooper for policies he claims have contributed to rising crime rates involving illegal immigrants. “Cooper chose criminals over cops,” Whatley asserted in a recent X post, highlighting a perceived failure in law enforcement cooperation with immigration authorities.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy also weighed in, questioning the response of local leaders to ongoing violence. “What is it going to take for Mayor Vi Lyles to remove violent criminals off the streets and protect her constituents?” he asked.

As the community grapples with these events, many are left asking: what measures will be taken to ensure safety on public transit? The upcoming court appearance for Solarzano is highly anticipated, as it may shed light on the future of public safety in Charlotte.

Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops. The urgency remains high as residents demand action and accountability in the wake of these violent incidents.