Tragedy on the Tracks: Ukrainian Refugee Stabbed to Death on Charlotte Light Rail — Time for Cities to Rethink Security

Charlotte, NC — September 1, 2025

A tragic and senseless act of violence shook Charlotte’s transit system: 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska, who fled the war in Ukraine, was randomly stabbed to death aboard a Lynx Blue Line train. The attack, captured in chilling surveillance footage, has reignited debate on public transit safety and police staffing lapses.


The Incident

  • On August 22, Zarutska boarded the light rail train in her pizzeria uniform. Surveillance shows the suspect, a homeless ex-con named Decarlos Brown Jr., sitting behind her before suddenly drawing a knife and stabbing her three times in the neck. She collapsed and died shortly after; Brown exited the train calmly and was arrested at the next stop. New York PostABC11 Raleigh-DurhamWikipedia

  • The attack took place in a few heart-wrenching moments, and responders arrived six minutes later. New York PostABC11 Raleigh-Durham

  • Following the killing:

    • CATS tripled its security budget, appointed a safety chief, and upgraded surveillance infrastructure.New York Post

    • The city council is considering increased police patrols on transit. New York Post

  • The Ukrainian community is calling for better safety measures, especially to protect vulnerable groups. Yahoo

Police Staffing Crisis & Rising Risks

  • Police forces across the U.S. have seen a steep decline. While sworn officers decreased by 7% between 2019 and 2021, the number of private security guards nearly doubled, outnumbering officers in many areas.TIME

  • Understaffing has led to burnout; nearly half of officers feel their safety is frequently compromised due to heavy workloads.Police1

Can Private Security Fill the Gap?

Private security has stepped in to support communities amid these challenges. Potential benefits include:

  • Rapid Deployment & Scalability: Unlike lengthy police hiring processes, private firms can mobilize in days.Facit Data Systems

  • Technological Edge: Many private security providers use advanced AI surveillance and analytics that police departments cannot afford.Police1

  • Deterrence Through Visibility: Studies show increased private security presence in public areas can reduce crimes by 16% and enhance police crime detection by 49%.PubMed Central

  • Relieving Police Burden: Security officers can handle routine security duties, enabling police to focus on law enforcement.Allied UniversalOK Security Professionals

Yet, private security is not a replacement—concerns remain about inconsistent training, oversight, and authority.Police1TIMEGoverning

Axios Security Group Recommends a Hybrid Model

In light of transit vulnerabilities, cities should consider a blended public-private approach to protect citizens, families, and refugees. Axios Security Group advises:

  • Transit-Specific Security Deployments

    • Post trained private security guards on platforms and vehicles during peak hours.

    • Conduct OSINT and on-ground monitoring to flag suspicious behaviors in real-time.

  • Integrated Surveillance Infrastructure

    • Collaborate with police to share real-time access to surveillance feeds.

    • Deploy visible yet unobtrusive security presence to deter threats.

  • Focused Training & Standard Protocols

    • Ensure private security hires have rigorous vetting, mental health awareness, and emergency response training.

  • Protect Vulnerable Communities

    • Partner with local NGOs, ethnic associations, and city officials to build trust, improve access to assistance, and deter targeted attacks.

“Iryna’s death is a devastating reminder that open-access systems can be perilous without proactive, layered security,” says Jereme Dozier, CEO of Axios Security Group. “Private security, strategically integrated, can strengthen safety infrastructures when police resources are stretched thin.”

Closing Thoughts

The killing of Iryna Zarutska is a heartbreaking example of where gaps in public transit security can have fatal consequences. Cities like Charlotte must evaluate new models that combine municipal police, private security, and technology to create safe, trusted public spaces—especially for vulnerable populations.

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