Authorities raid Boston apartment of Saudi suspect 'Jason'

Authorities have raided the apartment of a Saudi national who they say is a person of interest in the investigation. Investigators were seen leaving his Boston residence with bags of evidence.

BOSTON, MA (Catholic Online) - Neighbors say the Saudi student who is being held by authorities in an area hospital is a "quiet man" and a "devout Muslim."

The 20-year-old male is in the United States to study English. He suffered severe burns yesterday and according to authorities, he is cooperating with the investigation.

The unidentified man was originally detained by civilians who said he was acting suspiciously. It is unknown if he is the man who was also photographed being arrested by police in the aftermath of the incident.

The apartment at 364 Ocean Avenue in Boston was raided during the night by authorities who later emerged carrying bags of evidence. The bomb squad was also on hand, but likely only as a precaution and to handle any bomb-making material that could prove dangerous. There's no indications such evidence was found.

According to the police, the Saudi man said he was in the area because he had just finished a meal with some friends and he wanted to view the end of the race. If true, he could have an alibi which clears him.

His roommates also vouched for him saying he is a kind person "who would never hurt anyone."

He is described as a soccer fan and reportedly went by the Anglicized name of "Jason."

The building itself houses a number of residents from the Middle East. The building's management also says they have been cooperating with the police.

Officials have not announced if any findings from the apartment are actually of suspicious nature.

UPDATE 4/16 - 4:00 p.m. EDT: Authorities are now saying that "Jason" is likely to be cleared of any suspicion.

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