BOSTON, MA — A tense situation unfolded at the Liberty Hotel Boston on Wednesday evening when an alert witness reported a bomb threat made by a patron in the hotel’s lobby bar.
The Boston Police Department responded promptly to the incident, which occurred around 8:11 PM on May 29, 2024.
The situation began when a female patron engaged in a casual conversation with another guest about his dog. The conversation took a dangerous turn when the man, later identified as 62-year-old Mark DiPaolo from Naples, Florida, claimed he had a bomb in his suitcase. The alarmed woman quickly notified the hotel staff, who then contacted the police.
Upon arrival at the hotel located at 215 Charles St, officers gathered descriptions of DiPaolo and his luggage from several witnesses. One witness noted seeing DiPaolo checking into a hotel room with a large brown suitcase shortly before the police arrived.
With the assistance of the hotel staff, officers located the room where DiPaolo was staying. He was found inside, arrested, and positively identified by officers and witnesses at the scene.
A thorough search of the room by the Boston Police revealed no explosives or dangerous items, confirming that DiPaolo’s threat was false. He was subsequently charged with making a threat concerning the location of dangerous items or a hijack.
This incident highlights the effectiveness of prompt reporting and police response in ensuring public safety.
