U.S.

Boston Police Detonate Unattended Bags At Finish Line

One year to the day after a bombing at the Boston Marathon, police have detonated two bags left near the finish line and arrested a suspect.

Boston Police Detonate Unattended Bags At Finish Line
WBZ-TV
SMS

Police have detonated two unattended bags left near the finish line of Tuesday's Boston Marathon memorial event, and one suspect is in custody.

The controlled explosions, captured and posted to social media by bystanders, were a precautionary measure. Boston police have not confirmed that the bags contained any dangerous material. (Via Instagram / @heyratty)

Around 7:30 p.m. eastern time Tuesday, Boston's WBZ-TV reported police were clearing the area around the finish line because of the bags. This was shortly after the Norden brothers, survivors of last year's attack, crossed the finish line.

In a strange twist to the story, the man police eventually arrested at the scene, was filmed by bystanders walking up and down Boylston Street barefoot, wearing a long black veil and shouting "Boston Strong." (Via Instagram / @sarahsfrench)

"Boston strong ... Boston strong." (Via Instagram / @aliciaanskisrd)

A bomb squad was at the finish line within 15 minutes, and the bags were detonated just before 8:55 eastern time. In all, the ordeal lasted less than hour and a half. Tuesday's event was just a memorial for last year's marathon. This year's race is on April 21.