CLEAR LAKE — A Mason City man whose name surfaced years ago in NIT coverage of alleged juvenile gang activity is now accused of bringing fresh chaos to one of Clear Lake’s biggest public celebration of the year.
Darrius Rayshawn Bolden, 25, was arrested late Saturday, July 4, 2026, after police say a handgun was displayed during a fight near the city’s downtown park, where thousands had gathered for July Fourth festivities.
Clear Lake police said officers working security during the city’s July Fourth celebration were on foot patrol just before 10:30 p.m. when they were flagged down about a fight nearby.
Police were told that one person had displayed a firearm during the altercation.
Officers searched for the suspect and, within minutes, found Bolden nearby. Police said Bolden matched the exact description of the man accused of displaying the handgun.
Bolden (pictured at top) was quickly detained and arrested.
According to Clear Lake police, Bolden was found in possession of a handgun that matched the weapon reported during the initial altercation.
No shots were fired and no injuries were reported, police said.
Bolden was booked into the Cerro Gordo County Jail at 12:07 a.m. Sunday, July 5, 2026.
Jail records list charges of possessing or carrying a dangerous weapon while intoxicated, terrorism, disorderly conduct involving fighting or violent behavior, and first-offense consumption of alcohol in a public place.
The Clear Lake Police Department release also listed interference with official acts and public intoxication among the arrest charges.
More than a dozen law enforcement officers responded to the scene, assisting Clear Lake officers already assigned to the city park. Police said officers remained in the area for the rest of the night to help protect people attending the July Fourth events.
Clear Lake police were assisted by the Iowa State Patrol, Mason City Police Department and Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office.
The case remains under investigation.
Clear Lake police are asking anyone who witnessed the initial altercation or has video of the incident to contact the department at 641-357-2186 and ask to speak with an investigator.
The arrest comes more than a decade after Bolden’s name appeared in NIT stories about alleged juvenile crime activity in Mason City.
In October 2014, NIT reported that police arrested several juveniles after an investigation into organized criminal activity involving assaults, robbery, thefts, riotous behavior and criminal gang participation. Bolden, then 13, was listed among the juveniles arrested. To read that previous NIT story, please click here.
NIT later reported that alleged gang activity involving juveniles had caused trouble across Mason City, including incidents near Roller City, Ray Rorick Skate Park, Southbridge Mall and other locations. To read that previous NIT story, please click here.
In a third NIT story from that period, a mother described a terrifying ordeal involving her son and a group accused of violent conduct. To read that previous NIT story, please click here.
Now, years later, Bolden is accused again — this time as an adult — after police say a handgun was displayed during a fight at a crowded Clear Lake holiday celebration.
Clear Lake Police Chief Michael Colby said the department had maintained extra patrols downtown throughout the week to help keep the festivities safe.
“It is discouraging that the actions of a very small group of people could tarnish a great week for Clear Lake,” Colby said in the release.
Colby said the department still believes the event will remain a safe, family-friendly space because of partnerships with the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce, Clear Lake Fire Department and other area law enforcement agencies.
A criminal charge is merely an accusation. Bolden is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.