CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A North Carolina judge has decided to hold 33-year-old Oscar Solarzano without bond following a recent stabbing incident on a commuter train that left a man injured and sparked broader discussions on public safety and immigration policies.
Solarzano, who appeared via video link in orange prison garb, faces serious charges including attempted first-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon. The incident occurred on the Blue Line on Friday, where Solarzano reportedly stabbed 24-year-old Kenyon Dobie during a confrontation.
Details presented during the hearing revealed that the defendant, who had been staying at a local homeless shelter, was previously banned from the Charlotte Area Transit Service property due to unidentified reasons. Following the stabbing, authorities confirmed that Solarzano, known for having been deported twice and facing prior criminal charges, now has a detainer lodged against him by the Department of Homeland Security.
Attempts to reach the victim, Dobie, were unsuccessful, but he expressed on social media that he intervened during Solarzano's inappropriate yelling at an elderly woman. It’s better it happened to me and not her, he stated while recovering in the hospital.
This incident is particularly noteworthy as it follows another tragic stabbing event on the same transit system, where a Ukrainian refugee was killed. In light of the recent stabbings, public figures, including President Trump, have seized the opportunity to criticize Democratic-led cities for allegedly being soft on crime and mishandling immigration matters.
In response to the violent incidents, Charlotte officials, including Mayor Vi Lyles, emphasized ongoing initiatives to enhance the security of public transit systems, aligning efforts with local law enforcement to ensure passenger safety.
Brent Cagle, interim CEO of CATS, affirmed that they would implement a comprehensive safety strategy and would remain steadfast in maintaining secure transit environments for both riders and employees.
