Staten Island Man Planted Fake Bombs to Frame Romantic Rival: Cops

Police say Omar Duran planted three duffel bags at three locations on Staten Island

A 54-year-old man was arrested after law enforcement officials say he tried framing the husband of a woman he was romantically interested in by planting fake explosives with notes blaming his rival.

Police say Omar Duran planted three duffel bags with inert explosive materials at three locations on Staten Island.

He told reporters in Spanish after his arraignment Thursday he "hasn't done anything." 

According to NYPD spokesman John McCarthy, the duffel bags contained clocks, wires and at least one had propane and a can of spray paint. They were discovered on Sept. 2 and Sept. 12.

Officials say Duran was upset about the woman's marriage this past weekend and was worried that it would affect his relationship with her. He allegedly planted the name and address of the woman's new husband with the fake bombs in an attempt to frame him.

Duran and the couple live in the same building, police said. Acquaintance Charlie deFilipo said he appeared close with the 10-year-old daughter of the woman with whom he was in love and even taught the girl how to ride a bike.

Duran was arrested Wednesday on charges of placing a false bomb, criminal possession of a weapon and reckless endangerment.  He was jailed on $500,000 bond or $350,000 cash bail, and is due back in court on Sept. 24. 

Information on an attorney for Duran was not immediately available. 

Rob Schmitt and Katherine Creag contributed to this report. 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us