Sharpe James, ex-Newark, N.J. mayor mugged, suspect Alhafeez Williams arrested, police say

(CBS/AP) NEWARK, N.J. - Alhafeez Williams, 20, has been arrested and charged with robbery in the mugging Thursday of former Newark, N.J. mayor Sharpe James.

Williams, who has several prior arrests and felony convictions, according to police, is being held on $50,000 bail.

The robbery reportedly occurred shortly after 4 p.m. Thursday  near Newark's Weequahic Park.

Police said the 78-year-old James was approached from behind by Williams, who put him in a choke hold and grabbed a gold chain from around his neck before fleeing the scene. James was not injured in the attack.

Port Authority spokesman Steve Coleman said the suspect approached police in New York City early Friday and asked to ride the PATH commuter train for free to meet his parole officer.

Coleman said police learned the man was wanted and turned him over to Newark police.

According to Coleman, the suspect's girlfriend had James' necklace.

James was mayor from the mid-1980s until 2006. He later was convicted in a federal corruption trial and sentenced to time in prison.