Four weeks after the tragic murder of Iryna Zarutska, public safety continues to be a major concern of residents of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. WSOC reported on another violent criminal that is back on the streets mere days after attacking several people on the Charlotte Rail Trail.

From WSOC’s story:

A man said he was walking along the Charlotte Rail Trail in South End last week when he was attacked by a stranger. Good Samaritans stepped in to help, but the suspect, who has prior assault arrests, is already back on the streets.

The victim, who was walking home, said his injuries could have been worse if the bystanders didn’t step in during that attack on the rail trail near Sycamore Brewing.

“Absolutely scary in the moment,” said the victim, who didn’t want to be identified.

He’s still rattled that Hayden James Davidson, who police said attacked him and others along the rail trail, is back on the streets.

“It almost seems like you can go do whatever you want and as long as you post bail you can get out the next day…”

Davidson was seen on video using racial slurs when first responders arrived. He was also struggling to get out of the stretcher while in restraints.

Davidson has spent time on probation for assaulting deputies in Iredell County in 2017.

Deputies said he was drunk at the time and had a warrant for assault on a female.

Public records on the NC Courts website indicate that Davidson was arrested on September 7th and posted a $10,000.00 bond the same day. Davidson’s next hearing is scheduled for November 3rd, 2025.

Legislative leadership has indicated they are working on various proposals to address the growing concerns many North Carolinians have surrounding public safety. The legislature will be back in session on September 22nd, which will be the first time any proposed legislation might be unveiled.