A man has been banned from Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) properties after being found with a weapon on a light rail platform. According to WBTV, Thomas Paul, 28, was arrested at the East/West Boulevard station on Tuesday last week for possessing a dangerous weapon on city property.
Police said Paul had a black Glock 19 9mm pistol, pepper spray, and handcuffs when detained. WCNC Charlotte reported that this is the same location where 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska was killed. Paul’s bond, initially set at $5,000, was reduced to $2,500 and changed to a secured bond by a judge, who also barred him from CATS properties until after Tuesday next week.
Neighbors said Paul had expressed interest in becoming a police officer. Rumors have circulated that he may have been impersonating a security official.
Paul’s case is scheduled for November 17 at 9 a.m. in Mecklenburg County District Court. CATS has not yet issued a public statement on the incident, and local media continue to seek comment.
