BANGOR, Maine — Police do not know why a young transient from Georgia attacked a store employee of Leadbetter Mini Stop on Hammond Street early Monday, but they did recover the weapon used, Bangor police Sgt. Paul Edwards said.

“It was a knife,” the sergeant said Tuesday. “It was recovered from the victim — it was still in his back.”

Police arrived at the scene about 6:35 a.m. Monday.

The 69-year-old male victim, a longtime Leadbetter employee, had just left the store when

, 23, attacked him, police said. Police got a tip that Bolden was at the Bangor Area Homeless Shelter and arrested him there shortly afterward. He was charged with elevated aggravated assault, a Class A felony, and could face up to 30 years behind bars if convicted.

“There is no motive known at this time,” Edwards said.

The stabbing reportedly occurred behind Cakes by Jan, located across the street from the Leadbetter store, which is at the corner of Ohio and Hammond streets.

After being attacked, the male victim made his way back to his place of employment. He was transported to Eastern Maine Medical Center’s emergency room for treatment of injuries that are not life-threatening, Edwards said.

Another store clerk, who asked not to be identified, said the injured man is going to be OK.

Bolden first stayed at the homeless shelter in early May, shelter director Dennis Marble said. “He’s been in town at least a month.”

Bolden was taken to the Penobscot County Jail and remained there on Tuesday. He is scheduled to have his first court appearance Wednesday at the Penobscot Judicial Center.

The investigation continues and those with information about the attack may call the Bangor Police Department at 947-7382. Anonymous messages can be left on the tip line by pressing extension 6.