A violent attack on a Charlotte, North Carolina light rail has brought to light a troubling case involving a man with a complex history and repeated encounters with U.S. immigration authorities.
Oscar Solarzano, 33, a citizen of Honduras, now faces serious charges including attempted first-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon following a stabbing incident Friday afternoon. The victim, Kenyon Kareem-Shemar Dobie, was found with a stab wound and transported to a hospital in critical but stable condition.
Court records reveal Solarzano’s history is marked by multiple deportations. He was initially removed from the country in March 2018 under the Trump administration, only to illegally re-enter in March 2021 at the Texas border.
Despite a subsequent deportation by the Biden administration, Solarzano again entered the U.S. illegally, evading authorities at an unknown time and location. This pattern of re-entry raises serious questions about border security and enforcement of deportation orders.
The incident unfolded after police responded to reports of an assault on the light rail. Warrants indicate Solarzano allegedly broke into a railroad car, carrying a large fixed-blade knife, with the intent to commit a felony.
Witnesses and court documents describe a scene of escalating aggression. Solarzano, reportedly intoxicated, challenged the victim to a fight, shouting obscenities and slurred words at others.
This is not Solarzano’s first brush with the law within the United States. He has a prior conviction for robbery, alongside arrests for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, resisting arrest, and providing false identification.
Authorities have identified several aliases used by Solarzano, including Solarzano-Garcia, Oscar Herardo, and Kevin Garcia, complicating efforts to track his movements and criminal history.
Due to his immigration status, bond has been denied for Solarzano. He is scheduled for a court appearance on December 8th, after which he will be transferred to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody.
The attack echoes a similar tragedy earlier this year, when Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska was fatally stabbed on the same light rail line. That case involved Decarlos Brown Jr., who faces federal charges related to the death.
The incident has sparked immediate reaction and calls for increased security measures. Concerns are growing about public safety on Charlotte’s light rail system and the broader issue of violent crime.
A Spanish interpreter will be provided to Solarzano throughout the legal proceedings, ensuring he understands the charges against him and can participate in his defense.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) responded to the scene at approximately 4:49 p.m. Friday, initiating an investigation that quickly uncovered the details of the attack and Solarzano’s background.
