Charlotte Rail Stabbing: Suspect History Raises Transit Safety Concerns

A recent stabbing on Charlotte’s LYNX Blue Line has once again brought public transit safety to the forefront for local commuters. While authorities swiftly identified and apprehended a suspect, the unsettling revelation of his prior record and recent release from jail for a previous CATS assault has intensified calls for systemic change and improved security measures across the transit system.

The March 13 Incident and Suspect Identification

On Wednesday, March 13, a violent incident unfolded on a LYNX Blue Line train, sending a 59-year-old man, Nathan Earl Miller, to the hospital with a stab wound. The attack occurred near the New Bern Station, a bustling hub on Charlotte’s popular light rail corridor. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) officers, with the assistance of the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) security, quickly launched an investigation.

Suspect Donqwae Price Identified and Charged

Within 24 hours of the incident, CMPD identified and apprehended 21-year-old Donqwae Price in connection with the stabbing. Price was subsequently charged with assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury. His swift arrest brought some immediate relief, but the deeper context surrounding Price’s criminal history quickly overshadowed this initial success, sparking widespread concern among residents and city officials.

A Disturbing Pattern: The Suspect’s Prior CATS Assault

The most alarming detail to emerge from the investigation was that Donqwae Price had only been released from jail seven days prior to the LYNX stabbing. His previous incarceration stemmed from a 2023 assault on a CATS bus, where he attacked both the bus driver and a passenger. This prior incident resulted in a 6-month jail sentence, which he had just completed.

This revelation immediately ignited public debate about the effectiveness of the judicial system in managing repeat offenders, particularly those who pose a risk to public safety on transit. It also fueled the perception that current security measures and legal frameworks might not be adequately preventing repeat incidents involving individuals with a history of violence on public transportation.

Comparing Incidents: A History of Concern

The following table illustrates the concerning pattern of incidents involving the suspect, Donqwae Price, on CATS property:

Local Leaders and CATS Respond to Heightened Concerns

The repeated nature of such incidents, especially involving an individual with a known history of violence on CATS, prompted strong reactions from local officials. CMPD Maj. Michael Harris openly stated that Price “should have been in jail,” directly addressing frustrations with the justice system’s handling of the case.

Calls for a Transit Task Force and Increased Security

Charlotte City Councilmember Dimple Ajmera was particularly vocal, advocating for the creation of a dedicated transit task force. Her proposal includes a comprehensive review of existing security protocols, an increase in police presence on CATS buses and trains, and improved monitoring capabilities. The aim is to develop a more robust and proactive approach to public safety on Charlotte’s transit network, moving beyond reactive measures.

CATS Interim CEO Brent Cagle acknowledged ongoing efforts, highlighting the system’s current use of onboard and station cameras, as well as public address systems designed to enhance communication and safety. However, the efficacy of these measures is being questioned in light of repeated high-profile incidents that continue to erode public confidence.

Broader Implications for Charlotte Transit Users

This latest stabbing, coupled with its unsettling backstory, has significant implications for Charlotte’s thousands of daily commuters. Rider confidence in CATS’ ability to ensure safety is paramount, and incidents like these can deter potential riders and diminish the quality of life for regular users. The discussion extends beyond just policing to encompass broader issues of urban planning, social services, and the judicial system’s role in addressing repeat offenders.

The incident also rekindles the ongoing debate about the balance between public access to transit and the need for stringent security. While CATS emphasizes that overall crime rates on the system may be down, the severity and visibility of high-profile assaults create a public perception of insecurity that statistics alone cannot easily dispel.

What’s Next for CATS Safety Initiatives?

The push for a transit task force is likely to gain momentum, potentially leading to concrete proposals for increased funding for transit policing, a review of officer deployment strategies, and investment in more advanced surveillance technology. There may also be discussions about partnerships with mental health and social services to address underlying issues that contribute to some types of criminal behavior on public transit.

Charlotte residents can expect continued dialogue between CATS, CMPD, and city council members as they work towards solutions that balance accessibility, security, and justice. The effectiveness of these upcoming initiatives will be crucial in restoring and maintaining the trust of the Charlotte community in its public transit system.

Frequently Asked Questions About CATS Safety

• Who was the suspect identified in the recent LYNX stabbing?
  Donqwae Price, 21, was identified and charged in connection with the March 13 stabbing on the LYNX Blue Line.
• What was significant about the suspect’s past record?
  Price had been released from jail just seven days prior to the stabbing, after serving a 6-month sentence for a previous assault on a CATS bus in 2023.
• What are Charlotte leaders proposing to enhance transit safety?
  City Councilmember Dimple Ajmera has called for a dedicated transit task force, increased police presence, and improved monitoring on CATS buses and trains.
• Is crime on CATS generally increasing?
  While CMPD reports that overall crime rates on CATS are down, high-profile incidents like the recent stabbing significantly impact public perception of safety.
• How can riders contribute to their safety on public transit?
  Riders are encouraged to stay aware of their surroundings, report any suspicious activity or emergencies to CATS staff or CMPD, and utilize emergency call buttons if available.

Staying informed and vigilant remains key for all Charlotte commuters as local leaders and transit authorities work to implement lasting safety improvements on our public transportation system.

Charlotte Rail Stabbing Suspect Had Prior Transit Attack