19-Year-Old Craig Bolden Charged with Attempted Murder After Shooting Leaves Young Woman Critically Injured in Middle City
MIDDLE CITY — A quiet afternoon was shattered by gunfire in the heart of the Middle City community this past weekend, leaving a young woman critically injured and sparking a swift and intense police investigation. Authorities have since confirmed the arrest of 19-year-old Craig Bolden, who now faces charges of Attempted First Degree Murder in connection with the shooting.
The incident occurred in the early evening hours, shortly after 5:30 p.m., near the 1400 block of East Monroe Street, an area typically known for its close-knit community and residential calm. Witnesses described a sudden eruption of violence, with multiple gunshots ringing out, followed by screams and chaos as residents rushed to aid the victim.
According to the Middle City Police Department, the victim — a 21-year-old woman whose identity has not been released to the public — sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was found lying on the sidewalk in critical condition. Emergency medical personnel arrived within minutes and transported her to a nearby trauma center, where she remains in intensive care, fighting for her life.
Police say an initial investigation, aided by eyewitness testimony and surveillance footage from nearby residences and businesses, quickly led them to identify the suspected shooter as Craig Bolden. Bolden, described as a 19-year-old Black male with a prior juvenile record, was taken into custody late Saturday evening after a coordinated manhunt involving local officers and federal partners.
“We have strong evidence connecting Mr. Bolden to the shooting,” said Middle City Police Chief Donna Rawlins during a press conference on Sunday. “This was a targeted act of violence, not a random shooting. Our detectives worked swiftly and diligently to bring a suspect into custody, and now the judicial process must begin.”
The motive behind the shooting remains under investigation, though authorities have suggested it may have stemmed from a personal dispute between the suspect and the victim. Friends and neighbors of the young woman expressed shock and devastation, describing her as a kind-hearted and ambitious individual who had recently started a new job and was planning to attend college in the fall.
“I just can’t believe this happened to her,” said a close friend of the victim, fighting back tears. “She’s not involved in any kind of trouble. She was just walking home. Now she’s in a hospital bed fighting for her life.”
Craig Bolden has been officially charged with Attempted First Degree Murder, as well as several related felonies, including unlawful possession of a firearm and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He is currently being held without bond at the Middle City Detention Center pending a preliminary hearing.
Legal analysts expect the case to proceed swiftly given the serious nature of the charges and the mounting public pressure for justice. If convicted, Bolden could face a sentence of life imprisonment.
The shooting has once again reignited concerns about youth violence and access to firearms in Middle City, where local leaders have been grappling with a rise in gun-related crimes involving teenagers and young adults. In the wake of the incident, community activists and clergy have called for urgent reforms, more investment in youth outreach programs, and increased patrols in areas known for escalating tensions.
“This is a tragedy that was entirely preventable,” said Rev. James Keller of the Middle City Interfaith Council. “We need to address the root causes of violence — poverty, trauma, broken homes, and easy access to weapons. We’re losing our children too soon.”
As the young woman remains in critical condition, her family has asked for prayers and privacy, while also calling on the community to stand united against violence. A candlelight vigil is planned for Friday evening near the site of the shooting, where neighbors and friends will gather to show support for the victim and demand safer streets for all.
Middle City Police continue to urge anyone with additional information about the case or related incidents to come forward. The investigation remains active, with detectives pursuing leads that could clarify the full scope of events leading up to the tragic shooting.