Police: Man confesses to string of NYC arson attacks

(CBS/AP) NEW YORK - New York City police say a man has confessed to five firebomb attacks at an Islamic cultural center and four other sites on New Year's Day.

The name of the man, who was taken into custody Tuesday morning, was not immediately released.

The police picked up the man as he approached a car described by witnesses and caught on surveillance tape at the scene of one of the attacks, sources told CBS New York.

Police spokesman Paul Browne says the man made statements implicating himself in the attacks and had personal grievances against each targeted location.

Crude Molotov cocktails were tossed into a convenience store, two homes in Queens and one in nearby Nassau County, and an Islamic center.

He is facing arson-related charges. It's not clear if the incidents were for bias crimes, but that angle is being investigated.

Police had earlier released a sketch of the suspect and surveillance video that shows someone hurling a flaming Molotov cocktail at a house that police said was used for Hindu worship services.

The suspect had been described as a black man, 25-30 years old, 5'8", and about 200 pounds, reports CBS New York. He reportedly drive a light-colored, four-door sedan and was last seen wearing a black jacket and baseball cap.

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January 3, 2012 - Video shows suspected NYC arsonist hurling Molotov cocktail
January 2, 2012 - Police investigate four arson attacks in NYC as possible bias crimes