New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg speaks during a news conference to announce the arrest of Jose Pimentel in New York November 20, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

NEW YORK - Mayor Michael Bloomberg said Sunday an al-Qaida sympathizer who plotted to bomb police and post offices in New York City has been arrested on numerous charges.

At a news conference, Bloomberg announced the arrest of 27-year-old Jose Pimentel on Saturday. Pimentel is accused of having an explosive substance that he planned to use against others and property to terrorize the public.

The charges include conspiracy, first-degree criminal possession of a weapon as a crime of terrorism, and soliciting support for a terrorist act.

Pimentel lives in Manhattan, and is a US citizen. He is originally from the Dominican Republic.

The New York Police Department's Intelligence Division was involved in the arrest.