Boston police detonate suspicious package, suspect arrested

By The Associated Press

news@abc6.com

BOSTON –  Massachusetts man has been arrested in connection with a hoax bomb that Boston police were forced to detonate after it was left next to a Department of Homeland Security vehicle.

Boston police say James Derepentigny was arrested in his hometown of Lawrence, hours after the suspicious package was found during a routine Homeland Security Department patrol near the Coast Guard office on Atlantic Avenue.

Police say Derepentigny put the package next to the vehicle and hurried away.

The package looked like a suitcase. It was destroyed just before noon in a controlled detonation that sent a boom echoing off nearby skyscrapers.

Police expected to charge Derepentigny with planting a hoax bomb.

Derepentigny’s response to the allegations isn’t known. He’s detained, and it’s not clear if he has a lawyer.

© The Associated Press WLNE-TV / ABC6 2015