Police say 29-year-old Lawrence Jackson was brandishing the curved sword while visiting Macy's Herald Square store Sunday with his girlfriend.
He told police that he was carrying the sword because he is a member of a kickball team who often wear pirate-themed costumes. He maintains he was on his way to a game when he was arrested.
Police Officer Richard Perrone says Jackson may consider the sword a toy, but he says it is not.
Police say that when they approached Jackson about 4 p.m., he dropped his sword. It struck the ground with a clanking noise.
