Security measures praised after arrest at J.W. Clay station

CHARLOTTE — Police arrested Stanley Wallace on Wednesday night after he was seen armed with a knife at the J.W. Clay Light Rail Station.

Wallace was taken into custody several miles away at the Old Concord Station after he boarded a southbound train to flee the initial scene.

The arrest occurred amid heightened concerns regarding safety on Charlotte’s public transit system.

Security has been a major focus for the city following two high-profile stabbings, including the murder of Iryna Zarutska, which brought national attention to local transit violence.

Text a tip to CATS: New reporting option for light rail and bus riders

Charlotte Area Transit System officials reported that Wallace was yelling and screaming at the J.W. Clay station while brandishing a knife.

Private police were called to the scene, but Wallace boarded a southbound light rail train before they could intercept him.

Officers eventually caught up with the suspect at the Old Concord Station, located several miles away.

The transit system’s camera network played a role in the apprehension. Surveillance footage at the J.W. Clay station captured an image of Wallace holding the knife, which was shared with responding officers.

By the time police reached the Old Concord stop, they had a photograph to help them identify and arrest the suspect.

Michael Belger, a passenger who works part-time at the Spectrum Center, frequently uses the light rail and observed that the security measures were effective in this instance.

While he noted seeing additional officers on the trains recently, he remains unsure if the staffing is sufficient for all hours of operation.

“I’m glad they were on their toes, I’m glad evidently that part of the system worked,” Belger said. He noted that security is particularly important “especially late at night, when some of the concerts don’t end till late.”

Other passengers described a persistent sense of unease while using public transportation.

Omega Ellis, a local commuter, said she has struggled to feel secure on the system since moving to Charlotte.

Malik Leazer, another passenger, expressed concern for the safety of his companions.

“Honestly, I’ve never felt safe on Charlotte Public Transportation at all since I’ve moved here,” Ellis said. “I feel like it shouldn’t be happening, like security should be on the train all the time.”

Leazer added that he feels he must accompany others to prevent violence, stating, “If I’m not with her, then she might get attacked.”

Following his arrest, Wallace made his first appearance in court. The court provided him with a public defender to handle his legal representation.

Wallace remains in the local jail under a $15,000 secured bond.

VIDEO: CATS could use AI to track banned riders after safety improvements