Inset: Montez Edward Bolden (Springfield Police Department). Background: The location in Springfield, Illinois where Bolden allegedly attempted to kill a man in a wheelchair (Google Maps).
A 46-year-old man in Illinois faces charges after allegedly assaulting a wheelchair-bound individual, reportedly beating and stomping on the victim’s head until the victim was unconscious, and then expressing a desire to “watch him die” to authorities.
Montez Edward Bolden was arrested last week, facing charges of attempted first-degree murder and four counts of aggravated battery, as indicated by records reviewed by Law&Crime.
A brief news release from the Springfield Police Department states that officers responded to an “active disturbance” call around 3 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 24, at the intersection of South 6th Street and Jefferson Street.
While on their way, dispatchers informed officers that witnesses saw a man in a gray hooded sweatshirt and black pants “stomping” on a person’s head in the street, according to local ABC affiliate WICS reported. Upon arrival, first responders found a man fitting the description sitting on the curb near the victim; this man was identified as Bolden.
Officers began canvassing the area, collecting witness statements and reviewing any surveillance footage that might have documented the incident.
Investigators also learned that the victim was in a wheelchair prior to the alleged attack taking place, Champaign CBS affiliate WCIA reported. That victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
While speaking to witnesses, police reportedly said several bystanders pointed out Bolden as the assailant, telling officers, “That’s the one who did it.”
Footage from a nearby intersection allegedly showed Bolden confront the man in the wheelchair before pushing him to the ground. Bolden can then reportedly be seen repeatedly stomping on the victim’s head with his foot, smashing the victim’s head into the pavement approximately seven times. After punching the victim several times, Bolden allegedly took a step back, then kicked the victim in the face, knocking him unconscious.
While still at the scene, officers said Bolden told them, “I want to sit here and watch him die,” adding, “He’s dead over there, I just killed him.”
After being read his Miranda rights, Bolden allegedly continued to make incriminating statements, including, “I tried to kill him, I wanted him to die,” and “If y’all didn’t get here as fast as y’all did, I would have continued to stomp his head in the ground and kill him,” per WICS. He also allegedly stated, “When they let me out, I got five more people imma do the same thing to.”
Montez is currently scheduled to appear before a judge in Sangamon County for his preliminary hearing on Oct. 10, records show.
