Local News

Bulger look-alike detained, released in Canada

Posted: 10/24/08 at 9:57 pm

BOSTON -- Canadian authorites reportedly detained a Whitey Bulger look-alike this week but released the man after he was ruled out as the fugitive Boston mobster.

Bulger fled Boston in 1995 just ahead of a federal racketeering indictment and was later charged in 19 killings. He's on the FBI's Most Wanted list.

A spokesman for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police tells The Boston Globe police had an Interpol tip that the 79-year-old Bulger might be staying in Toronto. Sgt. Marc LaPorte said police went to the address Thursday and didn't find anyone. They did find a man resembling Bulger at a nearby restaurant and briefly detained him. LaPorte said police are still investigating to be sure he was the person they were tipped about.

A spokeswoman said the FBI was aware of the Canadian investigation and takes all tips seriously even if most have been look-alikes.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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