Arrest Made in Shooting of Jersey City Cab Driver

Jersey City authorities have arrested a man they say shot a taxi driver in an attempt to beat a fare.

Police announced Friday the arrest of 21-year-old James A. Purcell, who has no fixed address.

City Spokesman Stan Eason says investigators believe taxi driver Maged F. Rizkallah picked up Purcell around 1 a.m. Monday near the Journal Square neighborhood.

Police say the two argued about the fare and Purcell allegedly shot Rizkallah in the back of the head before fleeing.

Rizkallah remains hospitalized in critical condition.

Police say witness reports and surveillance video show the passenger exiting the taxi through the rear window and the vehicle crashing into parked cars.

Purcell was arrested Thursday after walking into a precinct to inquire why police were looking for him.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)