Florida man charged with making bomb threat at Liberty Hotel

Boston Police report arresting a Liberty Hotel guest who allegedly responded to an innocent question from a woman at the hotel bar that he had a bomb in his suitcase Wednesday night.

Police say Mark DiPaolo, 62, of Naples, FL was charged with making a bomb or hijack threat. He now faces a probable cause hearing in Boston Municipal Court on June 12, according to court records.

Police say DiPaolo was in the bar shortly after 8 p.m., when a woman tried to make some casual conversation by asking about his dog - police did not specify if DiPaolo had his dog with him at the time - the hotel is noted for its dog friendliness - if he was waving a photo of his pet or talking about it. Regardless, the conversation did not get very far, police say:

The patron stated that she had asked the suspect if his dog was trained in anything, and he replied “I have a bomb in my suitcase.” Fearing for her safety, the patron immediately reported the threat to hotel staff.

Officers immediately began an investigation into the description and whereabouts of the suspect, and were able to obtain an accurate description of the suspect and the suitcase in his possession after speaking with several witnesses. One witness last saw the suspect only a few minutes prior to the arrival of officers, possibly checking into a hotel room with a large brown suitcase.

With the cooperation of hotel staff, Officers were able to identify the hotel room that the suspect had booked and was possibly located in, so they began an approach to the room. Officers were able to locate the suspect inside of the room and he was arrested after being positively identified by Officers and several witnesses.

Police report officers did not find a bomb in his room.

Innocent, etc.