Lawrence man charged after suitcase incident

A Lawrence man was charged with planting a hoax device Friday, after he allegedly left a suitcase outside the US Coast Guard office in Boston, prompting a public safety scare.

Authorities detonated the floral-print suitcase as a precaution, but determined it did not contain explosives.

Boston Police Commissioner William F. Evans said that suspicions were heightened after surveillance video showed a man — later identified as James Derepentigny, 50, — deliberately placing the suitcase near the Coast Guard office building on Atlantic Avenue in Boston and then “scurrying” away. A scan of the suitcase also showed that it contained some type of wire and battery. The suitcase was moved by a robot and detonated shortly before noon.

The incident prompted a major police response and caused traffic problems in the area.

Evans said police took a “better safe than sorry” approach to the incident.

Authorities did not say whether Derepentigny, who was arrested Friday evening, had a motive. But one law enforcement official with knowledge of the case said that Derepentigny may be suffering from mental health problems and added that he has a lengthy criminal history.

The suitcase was abandoned near the left rear wheel of a Homeland Security Department Federal Protective Service SUV. The agency patrols federal buildings.