Crime & Safety

Suspect Identified in Bomb Scare at Boston Marathon Finish Line

Police said a man had a rice cooker in his backpack.

By Liz Taurasi

An emotion-packed day marking the one-year anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombings took a terrible twist Tuesday night when police said a veiled man caused a bomb scare.

The male suspect — seen walking down the middle of Boylston Street barefoot, wearing all black and yelling “Boston Strong” — was taken into custody Tuesday night. Police said he had a rice cooker in his backpack. He was charged with possession of a hoax device, disorderly conduct, and disturbing the peace.

Police did not release the man's identity during a 10:35 p.m. news conference. NECN.com reported the man is Kevin Edson, 25.

The discovery of the bags set off a quickly coordinated response from Boston Police as Boylston Street was shut down at about 7:30 p.m. and service on the MBTA’s green line was temporarily suspended.

The bomb squad, aided by a remote controlled robot, and later a water cannon, eventually executed a controlled detonation of the two backpacks — about 90 minutes after Boylston Street had been closed. Late Tuesday night, Boston Police confirmed that one of the backpacks contained a rice cooker; the contents of the other was not immediately known.

Boston Police gave the “all clear” at about 9:45 p.m., deeming the area safe, as law enforcement officials continued to work the scene.
UPDATES:

11:20 p.m. Boston Police said they have arrested the suspect.

10:40 p.m. One of the backpacks contained a rice cooker but has been deemed a hoax, according to reports. The suspect could be facing the following charges: possession of hoax device, disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace.

9:47 p.m. Numerous reports now that Boston Police have given the all clear and the area is safe, as the investigation continues.

9:40 p.m. The Green Line is still not running.

9:35 p.m. The second backpack, also at the finish line, has been detonated, according to reports.

9:30 p.m. Boston Police have given the all clear and said that there is no danger, according to CBS News' Jeff Glor.

9:20 p.m. Hearing now only one bag may have been blown up. Bomb Squad deciding what to do with second device. 

9:08 p.m. Members of the Bomb Squad continue to survey the area. 

9 p.m. Both bags have been detonated. There is no evidence yet if the bags contained explosives. 

8:53 p.m. Loud boom as the bag has been blown up by the bomb squad.

8:52 p.m. One minute warning given before detonation. 

8:49 p.m. Those in Copley Square area should expect loud noice when the water cannon detonates the suspected device. 

8:42 p.m. Universal Hub is reporting the MBTA confirms all trolleys are away from Copley Square.

8:40 p.m. It's very quiet at the scene right now. 

8:34 p.m. MBTA being asked to stop Green Line service altogether until after backpack is blown up.

8:33 p.m. Media is being moved back further into the Old South Church. They are being told to stay away from any doors or windows. 

8:27 p.m. Boston Police are preparing to use a water cannon to disrupt the backpacks.

8:25 p.m. Boston police to crowd: "if this thing goes and it's got shrapnel in it, it doesn't have anybody's name on it. Keep moving."

8:25 p.m. Instagram user aliciaanskisrd posted this video of the suspect just seconds before he was arrested.

8:20 p.m. Unconfirmed but hearing bomb squad may do a control detonation.

8:19 p.m. Those in the area of Exeter and Boylston being told to either go inside the Lenox or move back to Ring Road as bomb squad gets ready to detonate.  

8:17 p.m. Boston Police have confirmed they have a male suspect in connection with the unattended backpacks found at the finish line.

8:15 p.m. Bomb Squad robot keeps ramming the backpack, nothing happening. 

8:08 p.m. Fox 25 News is reporting the Bomb Squad robot is circling the bag for a second time and now has pulled back several feet. The bag is still intact.

8 p.m. Robot now taking a closer look. 

7:57 p.m. Boston Police are asking the media to shut down their broadcast during the detonation.

7:54 p.m. Bomb squad robot now approaching the bags. 

7:49 p.m. Bomb squad investigating backpacks.

7:47 p.m. Folks in lockdown at the Charlesmark Hotel overlooking the finish line have been told not to leave, not to open windows. 

7:43 p.m. The Bomb Squad is on scene in area of finish line.

7:41 p.m. Boylston St has been closed & MBTA Green Line service temporarily suspended. Community members asked to avoid area.

7:39 p.m. View an Instagram video of the man in question - he is wearing all black and screaming "Boston Strong."

7:33 p.m. - Shoes left behind from man in custody have been taken by police as evidence. 


Patch will bring you more information as it becomes available.


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