Urgent: Stabbing Incident on Charlotte Light Rail Linked to Deportee

URGENT UPDATE: A shocking stabbing incident occurred on a Charlotte light rail train Friday night, leading to the hospitalization of Kenyon Dobie, 31, who was seriously injured. Authorities have charged Oscar Solarzano, 33, a previously deported illegal immigrant, with attempted first-degree murder and four other charges.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) confirmed that the attack took place on the Lynx Blue Line around 9:30 PM, just hours before the suspect’s arrest. Solarzano was taken into custody shortly after the stabbing and is currently being held without bond.

Dobie was rushed to a local hospital, where he is reported to be in stable condition after sustaining a stab wound to the chest. Solarzano’s arraignment is scheduled for Monday morning, December 8, 2025.

This incident has drawn immediate public outcry, especially given its connection to a previous tragedy on the same transit line. On August 22, Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, was fatally stabbed on the Lynx Blue Line by a mentally ill perpetrator. The recent attack has sparked renewed concerns about safety on public transportation.

“Just months ago, Iryna Zarutska was brutally murdered on this very same Charlotte light-rail line. Yet radical pro-crime Democrats still refuse to confront the violent crime epidemic sweeping our city,”

stated Rep. Mark Harris, expressing frustration over public safety measures in North Carolina. He criticized local leaders for what he described as inadequate responses to rising crime rates involving illegal immigrants.

Former Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley added fuel to the fire, stating, “This is Roy Cooper‘s legacy. While Governor, he BLOCKED legislation which would have forced sheriffs to work with ICE.” Whatley emphasized the need for policies that enhance public safety and criticized the current administration’s handling of immigration and crime.

In a bid to address growing concerns, North Carolina recently enacted Iryna’s Law, which increases penalties for crimes committed on public transportation and tightens regulations on pretrial releases for repeat offenders. The law went into effect on December 1, following bipartisan approval in the state legislature.

In response to the recent surge in crime by illegal immigrants, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) initiated Operation Charlotte’s Web on November 15, resulting in over 425 arrests to date.

As Charlotte grapples with these alarming incidents, local officials are under pressure to implement effective measures to enhance public safety. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy voiced his concerns, questioning what it will take for city leadership to address the issue. “The time to act is NOW,” he stated.

This developing situation highlights not only the immediate dangers faced by commuters but also raises broader questions about immigration policy and community safety in North Carolina.

As this story unfolds, more details will be made available, and the community is urged to stay vigilant. Keep following for updates on this urgent matter.