Boston man charged with bringing explosives, making threats on commuter rail train
BOSTON, July 9, 2026 – A Boston man will return to court this month after being arraigned last week for bringing homemade explosives and making bomb threats on board an MBTA Commuter Rail train, Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden announced.
SHANE CAUTILLO, 29, was charged in BMC Central on June 29 with one count of possession of a hoax incendiary device, possession of a hoax device or substance, unlawful possession of fireworks, and disorderly conduct on a public conveyance.
Judge James Coffey ordered Cautillo held on $10,000 bail and to stay away from all MBTA transit and to not possess any dangerous weapons. Cautillo is due back in court on July 28 for a pre-trial hearing.
At about 10:28 p.m. on June 27, MBTA Transit police responded to North Station for a suspicious person on board a commuter rail train. Officers spoke with a witness who reported that a man, later identified as Cautillo, made loud comments about making bombs and giving them to extremist groups, terrorist groups, and to the homeless. The witness also reported that the man said he was inspired by the January 6 attacks at the U.S. Capitol.
Officers observed Cautillo with a large disconnected lithium battery, an electric towel warmer with wires sticking out of it and an electric scooter with a bag attached to it.
A Hazardous Device Technician responded to the scene to assess the items. An X-Ray revealed “a possible power source, fusing, explosive charge, and switch in the container.” The technician was able to neutralize it successfully. A duct-taped lithium battery, several small tool batteries, a water bottle, a cell phone, a power adapter and a container of BOOM Margarita wine cocktail were found inside the electric towel warmer.
A second X-Ray was conducted on the bag from the scooter. It revealed possible fireworks and electric components. While officers attempted to neutralize the device, several fireworks went off and caused an explosion. Several commercial fireworks were located with a portable power pack in the bag.
No officers or civilians were hurt during the render-safe operations.
Cautillo was transported by Boston EMS to a local hospital for an evaluation after telling officers he would harm himself. Cautillo was placed in police custody at the hospital.
Transit police deployed an explosive detection K9 on board the train. The train and surrounding areas were determined to be safe from any explosive hazards.
“This man had the materials to make a possibly dangerous device but thanks to some alert commuters and quick follow-up work by transit police he didn’t get the chance to move forward with anything harmful to the public. I thank all involved for bringing this situation to a safe conclusion,” Hayden said.
All charged individuals are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden’s office serves the communities of Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop. Our office handles more than 20,000 cases a year. Nearly 160 assistant district attorneys practice in nine district and municipal courts, Suffolk Superior Court, the Massachusetts Appeals Court, the Boston and Chelsea Juvenile Courts and the Supreme Judicial Court. Our office employs some 300 people and offers a wide range of services and programs for anyone encountering the criminal justice system. We are committed to educating the public about our mission and services while focusing on crime prevention to keep the residents, workers and visitors of Suffolk County safe.
James Borghesani, Chief of Communications