Suspect in Custody After Train Altercation in Charlotte Raises Immigration Concerns

A man faces serious charges following an altercation on a Charlotte light rail train that left one person hospitalized, authorities announced Friday. The incident, which unfolded Thursday afternoon, has drawn attention not only for its impact on public transit safety but also for the suspect’s prior encounters with immigration enforcement.

Oscar Solarzano, 33, was taken into custody shortly after the event near North Brevard Street and East 22nd Street. He has been charged with attempted first-degree murder, assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury, and carrying a concealed weapon, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. The male victim sustained a stab wound and was rushed to Novant Health Presbyterian Hospital, where he remains in stable condition, officials with the Mecklenburg EMS Agency confirmed.

Police responded to the scene just before 5 p.m. on December 5, 2025, after reports of the disturbance on a Blue Line train stopped between stations. Officers located Solarzano nearby and detained him without further incident. He was interviewed by detectives before being transferred to the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office for booking.

Solarzano, originally from Honduras, entered the U.S. without authorization, marking his third such attempt, according to a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson. He received a final removal order from an immigration judge in 2018 and was deported on March 9, 2018, during the Trump administration. Solarzano was apprehended again in 2021 for illegal border crossing and removed once more. The date and location of his most recent entry remain unknown.

“This individual was issued a final order of removal by an immigration judge in 2018 and removed by the Trump Administration on March 9, 2018,” DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin stated. “He was apprehended illegally crossing the border again in 2021 and was again removed. He entered the country illegally for a third time at an unknown date and location.”

The episode adds to growing concerns about safety on Charlotte’s public transportation system. Just months earlier, another altercation on the same Blue Line resulted in a fatality. In that case, 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Kamil Ozyer was killed, and suspect Decarlos Brown Jr., 34, faces first-degree murder charges. Brown was indicted in October on federal charges related to violence against a railroad carrier and mass transportation system resulting in death.

Authorities are urging anyone with information about Thursday’s incident to come forward. Witnesses can contact Charlotte Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or submit tips anonymously via the Charlotte Crime Stoppers P3 Tips Mobile App or website.

As details emerge, local leaders and residents alike are calling for enhanced security measures on the light rail, while federal officials reiterate the challenges of enforcing immigration laws amid repeat violations. Solarzano’s court date is pending, and the investigation continues.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department emphasized community cooperation in a statement Friday morning. “We appreciate the quick response from witnesses and first responders that helped secure the scene,” a department spokesperson said. “Public safety remains our top priority, and we encourage tips from anyone who may have seen what happened.”

This latest event underscores ongoing debates about resource allocation for transit security in growing urban areas like Charlotte. The city’s light rail system, part of the LYNX Blue Line, serves thousands daily, connecting neighborhoods from Uptown to the university district. Ridership has surged post-pandemic, prompting investments in surveillance and patrols, but incidents like this highlight persistent vulnerabilities.

Solarzano’s background adds layers to the narrative. Born in Honduras, a country grappling with economic instability and high migration rates, he first crossed into the U.S. prior to 2018. His initial removal followed standard procedures under then-President Trump’s immigration policies, which prioritized deportations. The 2021 apprehension occurred amid a surge in border encounters, straining federal resources.

Immigration experts note that repeat entries often stem from family ties, job opportunities, or fleeing hardship back home. “Many individuals face tough choices when deportation means separation from loved ones or return to uncertain conditions,” said Maria Gonzalez, director of a Charlotte-based migrant support nonprofit. “But enforcement gaps can lead to situations where prior orders aren’t fully tracked.”

In Charlotte, a hub for Latino communities with over 100,000 Hispanic residents, such cases resonate deeply. The city has seen a 20% increase in immigration-related inquiries at local aid centers this year, per city data. Community leaders are pushing for more outreach to bridge gaps between law enforcement and immigrant populations.

The victim’s identity has not been released, pending family notification. Hospital officials report he is cooperating with investigators from his recovery bed. “He’s a fighter, and we’re grateful for the medical team’s quick work,” a family friend told reporters outside the facility.

Eyewitness accounts paint a picture of sudden escalation. One passenger, who asked to remain anonymous, described the scene: “It started with raised voices—something about a seat or space on the crowded train. Things got heated fast, and before anyone could intervene, it turned physical.” Another rider added, “The train stopped abruptly, and we heard shouts. Security arrived within minutes, which was reassuring.”

Transit Police Chief Mark Hall commended his team’s response time. “Our officers are trained for these scenarios, and their presence deterred any further issues,” Hall said during a press briefing. The department has since increased patrols on evening runs, a measure in place since the summer incident.

Broader context reveals patterns in urban transit challenges. Nationally, assaults on public transportation rose 15% in 2024, according to the Federal Transit Administration. In the South, cities like Charlotte, Atlanta, and Dallas report similar upticks, often linked to overcrowding and socioeconomic stressors. Mental health advocates point to underfunded services as a factor, with calls for integrated support on transit routes.

Locally, Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) officials announced Friday an audit of Blue Line protocols. “We’re reviewing camera footage and rider feedback to strengthen our approach,” CATS spokesperson Rachel Johnson stated. The system, which launched in 2007, spans 19 miles and carries 30,000 passengers daily. Expansion plans include a Silver Line extension by 2027, but safety remains paramount.

Federal involvement looms large due to Solarzano’s status. ICE has placed a detainer on him, meaning he could face deportation proceedings post-state charges. “This case exemplifies the need for robust border security and interior enforcement,” McLaughlin added. The Trump-era removals she referenced were part of Operation Streamline, which expedited deportations.

Critics argue such policies overlook root causes. “Deportation alone doesn’t address why people risk everything to return,” said Rep. Alma Adams, D-N.C., whose district includes parts of Charlotte. Adams has co-sponsored bills for comprehensive reform, including pathways for long-term residents.

Community reactions vary. At a vigil Friday evening near the incident site, about 50 residents gathered with candles, advocating for peace. “We ride these trains to work, to school—it’s our lifeline,” said organizer Javier Ruiz. “Let’s focus on healing, not division.”

Online, discussions surged, with #CharlotteTransit trending locally. Posts ranged from support for the victim—”Prayers for his full recovery”—to policy debates: “Time to secure our borders for good.”

As the weekend unfolds, investigators sift through evidence, including train surveillance and witness statements. Solarzano, held without bond, awaits arraignment. The altercation serves as a stark reminder of the intersections between personal disputes, public safety, and national policy.

In the coming days, expect updates on the victim’s progress and potential federal charges. For now, Charlotte holds its breath, hoping for resolution amid the rails that bind its diverse fabric.