Charlotte, North Carolina – A 24-year-old North Carolina man who raised more than $100,000 on GoFundMe after surviving a stabbing on a Charlotte light rail train is now facing multiple felony domestic violence charges, including assaulting his pregnant girlfriend and allegedly threatening to kill her and her children, according to court records.
Kenyon Dobie, who was hospitalized earlier this month following the train attack, appeared in Mecklenburg County court on Thursday in connection with two separate alleged assaults involving the mother of his unborn child and their 1-year-old son. A judge issued a no-contact order and required electronic monitoring following his release on bond.
Assault charges filed after GoFundMe campaign
Dobie’s arrest comes just days after his GoFundMe campaign surpassed $114,000, launched after he was stabbed in the chest on a Charlotte Area Transit System light rail train on December 5.
In the fundraising description, Dobie wrote that he survived serious injuries and required a chest tube to drain blood from his lungs, asking the public for prayers and financial assistance during recovery.
However, court documents filed Wednesday night show Dobie was arrested and booked into jail on charges including:
- Felony assault causing serious bodily injury
- Assault on a pregnant woman
- Assault on a female
- Domestic violence
- Three counts of communicating threats
Alleged attacks occurred months apart
According to arrest affidavits, Dobie is accused of assaulting his girlfriend during two separate incidents, one in February and another in October.
In the February incident, police say Dobie arrived to pick up their 1-year-old child while appearing intoxicated. When the child’s mother attempted to take the baby back, Dobie allegedly punched her in the face with a closed fist before driving away.
October incident left victim unconscious, police say
The second and more severe incident allegedly occurred on October 19 at the girlfriend’s apartment. Officers responding to the scene found the woman bleeding heavily from her eye and nose, with one eye swollen shut and discolored.
Police reports state the victim initially hesitated to speak because she feared retaliation, telling officers that Dobie had threatened to kill her children if she contacted law enforcement.
According to the affidavit, the argument escalated when Dobie allegedly stormed into the child’s bedroom, began throwing furniture, and advanced toward the woman as she held the baby in her arms.
She told police Dobie backed her into a corner and punched her in the face, causing her head to strike the wall and leading her to lose consciousness.
Threats allegedly made after assault
The victim reported waking up on the floor, still holding her child, bleeding from her face, with Dobie gone from the apartment. Police say Dobie later returned and allegedly threatened to kill her and her children if she cooperated with authorities.
Medical records referenced in court filings indicate the woman suffered a facial fracture as a result of the assault.
Court action and bond conditions
Dobie appeared in court Thursday, where a judge imposed a no-contact order protecting the victim and their child. He was released on bond with electronic monitoring, though court records show he is currently being held on a $2 million bond related to the charges.
Separate federal case tied to train stabbing
Dobie’s legal troubles come as his alleged attacker in the train stabbing, Oscar Solarzano, faces a federal charge for committing an act of violence on a mass transportation system. Authorities have also stated Solarzano is in the United States illegally.
The two cases are unrelated but have drawn public attention due to the high-profile nature of the fundraising campaign and the seriousness of the domestic violence allegations.
Ongoing investigation
Prosecutors have not indicated whether the funds raised through GoFundMe could factor into restitution, legal expenses, or future court proceedings. No changes to the fundraising campaign have been announced as of publication.
Dobie has not publicly commented on the assault charges.
Anyone experiencing domestic violence is encouraged to seek help through local resources or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
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