Man seen on video waving knife at Charlotte light rail passengers arrested on Blue Line platform

Derek Hutchinson

Police arrested a man Thursday night that was seen waving a knife onboard a Charlotte light rail train earlier this week, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.

Derek Lamont Hutchinson, 36, was taken into custody around 10 p.m. Thursday. He was located on a Blue Line platform by a CMPD officer working off-duty security.

The incident happened Sunday night. Police said Hutchinson unlawfully and willfully was armed with a knife that intentionally caused terror to the public on public transportation. According to the arrest warrant, he confronted two people with the knife and made multiple threatening motions toward them.

WCCB obtained video of Hutchinson allegedly waving a knife at a couple on the light rail. He eventually got off the train at a stop in University City.

Police said no 911 calls were made for the incident, but reviewed social media videos and security footage to identify Hutchinson as the suspect.

Hutchinson has been charged with going armed to the terror of the people, carrying a concealed weapon, disorderly conduct, possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, and city/town violation.

A knife was seized during his arrest, police said. He is being held on a $40,000 secured bond.