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Man Carrying Gas Can, Matches Arrested Near Rockefeller Center Tree

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Police have arrested a man who they say was carrying a gas can and matches and acting erratically near the Rockefeller Center tree.

Yuriy Alterman, 38, threw a bottle into the street, became combative and screamed at officers when they approached him Tuesday afternoon at 47th Street and Sixth Avenue, police said.

They say he was carrying a red can containing a liquid that smelled like gasoline, matches as well as a book called "Son of Hamas,'' which is about the son of one of Hamas' founders. He told officers that he didn't intend to set anything on fire.

Police say he didn't get close to the tree.

The Bronx man has been charged with making terroristic threats and disorderly conduct.

Police say he is emotionally disturbed and they do not believe he has terror connections, CBS2 reported.

Sources said Alterman has a number of past arrests, including for assault and breaking a car mirror, WCBS 880's Alex Silverman reported.

(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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