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Thief Threatens to Set Man Ablaze on 1 Train, Police Said

 An MTA New York City transit subway 1 train. Aug. 13, 2013.
An MTA New York City transit subway 1 train. Aug. 13, 2013.
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DNAinfo/Michael Ip

TRIBECA — A straphanger who fell asleep on the 1 train last week was awoken by a thief threatening to stab him and set him ablaze, police said.

The 25-year-old Manhattan man, who'd fallen asleep while riding a southbound 1 train on June 26, awoke to find a woman going through his front pants pockets and taking out his keys, as they were pulling into the Chambers Street stop, at about 4:30 a.m.

When the man confronted the woman, 52-year-old Freda Bryant, she pointed a pair of scissors at him, and said "I'll stab you," then, while holding a lighter, said, "I'll light you on fire," according to a criminal complaint from the Manhattan District Attorney's office.

The man was not injured.

Police arrested Bryant and she was charged with attempted robbery, grand larceny, criminal possession of a weapon and menacing. 

She was released on her own recognizance and is due back in court on July 22.

Her lawyer did not immediately return a call for comment.