The Charlotte light rail became a scene of terror last Friday when Kenyon Dobie found himself fighting for his life against a brutal attacker. Rushed to the hospital in critical condition, Dobie now breathes with the aid of a machine, a tube draining blood directly from his lungs – a stark testament to the violence he endured.
Dobie recounts the harrowing ordeal, describing a challenge to fight initiated by a man wielding a large fixed-blade knife. The assailant, identified as Oscar Solarzano, reportedly unleashed a torrent of curses and threats, creating chaos and fear amongst other passengers on the Blue Line.
Solarzano’s history reveals a troubling pattern of escalating criminal behavior. Deported twice – once in 2018 and again in 2021 – he repeatedly re-entered the country illegally, accumulating prior arrests for violent crimes and a previous robbery conviction.
Warrants detail a litany of charges against Solarzano, including attempted first-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon. Due to his immigration status, he is being held without bond, awaiting transfer to Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody.
This attack echoes a tragedy from months prior, when 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska was fatally stabbed on the same Blue Line while commuting home from work. Her accused killer faces federal charges, including a capital offense.
The incidents have ignited a firestorm of reaction, with some pointing to a perceived failure of leadership and a need for increased security measures. Concerns are mounting about the safety of public transportation and the protection of citizens.
As Dobie fights for recovery, a crowdfunding campaign has sprung up to support his medical expenses, quickly raising nearly $18,000. The outpouring of support underscores the community’s shock and desire to help a man clinging to life after a senseless act of violence.
Dobie’s survival, against overwhelming odds, is a testament to his resilience. Yet, the chilling reality remains: a tube connected to his chest is a constant reminder of the day his life was nearly stolen on a routine commute.
