Arrest made in stabbing on Charlotte light rail line where Ukrainian refugee was murdered

A serious stabbing occurred Friday on Charlottes LYNX Blue Line, the same route where a Ukrainian refugee was fatally attacked several months ago. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) responded to the incident near the light rail station at 25th Street and North Brevard Street around 4:50 p.m.

The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital and remains in critical but stable condition, authorities reported.

Police quickly apprehended the suspect, identified as 33-year-old Oscar Solarzano. Following questioning, he was handed over to the Mecklenburg County Sheriffs Office. According to the arrest warrant, Solarzano allegedly used a large fixed blade knife during the assault. The warrant describes him as intoxicated, provoking the victim to fight, and shouting obscenities at bystanders.

Charges against Solarzano include attempted first-degree murder, assault with a deadly weapon causing serious injury, breaking and entering a vehicle, carrying a concealed weapon, and being intoxicated and disruptive. Court documents indicate that he is an undocumented immigrant who has been deported previously. He is being held without bond, with a court appearance scheduled for Monday.

Two days prior to the stabbing, the city had launched Operation Safe Season, a safety initiative aimed at increasing police presence in high-violence areas. Estella Patterson was sworn in as the new chief of police for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department on Friday.

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein commented on social media, urging prayers for the victim and noting that Chief Pattersons Operation Safe Season has already increased law enforcement efforts across Charlotte.

Earlier Incident Raises Safety Concerns

This latest stabbing follows the fatal attack on Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska in August, who was killed on the LYNX Blue Line near Scaleybark station. That incident drew national attention and sparked discussions about urban crime.

In response to safety concerns, the Charlotte Area Transit System implemented new security measures in early October. The contractor overseeing rail security, Professional Security Services, has reached full staffing and now works with 24 off-duty CMPD officers to monitor the Blue Line.

Recent ridership statistics show a decline, with September ridership dropping over 10% year-over-year and October down 8% according to the Federal Transit Administration.

Author: Caleb Jennings