Authorities Evacuate Boston Marathon Finish Line After Suspicious Bags Are Spotted

Police are investigating the origin of two suspicious backpacks left near the Boston Marathon finish line.

Photo Removed
Complex Original

Blank pixel used during image takedowns

Photo Removed

Authorities evacuated the area near the Boston Marathon's finish line this evening after two suspicious bags were spotted.

ABC News reports that police found a bag near the finish line and the Huffington Post adds that a man carrying a backpack was seen running and yelling "Boston Strong" just before the area was cleared. 

Boston police have asked pedestrians to avoid the area, and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority said Green Line trains will not be making stops at Copley Station. CBS News reports that a man was taken.

A year ago to the day, three people were killed and 264 were injured after two pressure cooker bombs left near the finish line were detonated. 

The marathon is slated to take place Apr. 21 this year.

UPDATE: According to CBS Boston, the bags were detonated by a bomb squad. One contained a rice cooker filled with confetti, while CBS Boston added that photo equipment might have been inside of the other.

Kevin "Kayvon" Edson, 25, was identified as the man who screamed "Boston Strong" while running through the streets barefoot, draped in a black veil and carrying one of the bags. Edson was charged with possession of a hoax device, disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace.

[via ABC News, CBS News, CBS Boston and Huffington Post]

Latest in Pop Culture