CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A shocking act of violence unfolded on a Charlotte light rail train Friday morning when a Ukrainian woman, identified as Iryna Zarutska, was fatally stabbed in what police describe as a random attack.
According to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), surveillance footage captured Zarutska seated in the train carriage when a man suddenly approached and stabbed her multiple times. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but despite efforts, Zarutska died at the scene.
CMPD confirmed that 24-year-old Johnathan Collar was arrested shortly after the attack near the station. He faces charges of first-degree murder.
“This appears to be isolated in terms of motive,” said CMPD Capt. Dustin Alexander, speaking with WBTV. “There’s no known connection between our victim and the suspect.”
Police have not released a possible motive for the crime but did confirm that Collar surrendered peacefully.
“He was arrested without incident, no issues, no resistance,” explained Capt. Brian Sanders, who also noted that Collar had prior interactions with law enforcement in the past.
Residents traveling on the train expressed fear and shock, noting that such acts of violence are rare in Charlotte’s public transit system. Community members have begun placing flowers near the station in memory of Zarutska.
The suspect remains in custody as prosecutors prepare the case. Collar is expected to appear in court later this week.
Authorities urge anyone with additional information or witness accounts to contact CMPD’s homicide unit.
Comments
No comments yet. Be the first to comment!