JERSEY CITY – The Jersey City Police Department announced on Friday that a suspect had been arrested for the July 9 shooting of a Journal Square taxi driver.
The cabbie was found on Gates Avenue with two gunshot wounds, including one gunshot to the back of the head, shortly after picking up a fare from the taxi stand at Journal Square.
According to the Jersey City Police, James A. Purcell, 21 – whom police described as a “lead suspect” – allegedly went to the West Precinct on Communipaw Avenue and asked why police were looking for him.
“We were able to put together about 10 persons of interest by descriptions and then we narrowed that down to Mr. Purcell,” said Capt. Mike Kelly,
Commander in the Detective Bureau. “We let it known on the streets and to his family members that we were looking for him and there he is walking into the precinct.”
After questioning by Major Case Squad detectives, police allege that Purcell, who has no fixed address, planned to jump out of the cab and flee once he arrived at his destination on Princeton Avenue. Once at the location, Purcell and the cabbie allegedly argued and Purcell allegedly fired a handgun in his possession, according to police officials. Witnesses describe seeing Purcell climbing out of the back windows since the driver had power locked the cab doors.
Purcell is charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, a weapons offense, and endangering an injured person.
The cabbie remains in critical condition at Jersey City Medical Center.
“While we pray for the recovery of [the cab driver], I must commend the police department for their thorough investigation and speedy arrest in this case that was equally disturbing as it was challenging for investigators,” said Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy.
The arrest was announced after the Jersey City Reporter went to press on Friday. Watch this weekend’s edition for a related story.