SALEM — Latia Harris has surrendered.

Nearly a week after a video surfaced on social media showing her savagely beating another woman as the victim's 2-year-old son attempted to protect his mother, Harris gave up.

Harris, 25, of Salem walked into the Salem Police Department on West Broadway around 7 p.m. Monday, Salem Police Chief John Pelura III said.

She came alone, not accompanied by an attorney.

"I believe Harris had no other choice than to turn herself in under her own terms as it would only be a matter of time before she was captured," said Pelura.

The surrender brought to an end a saga that began after Harris was recorded on cellphone video beating Catherine Ferreira, 27, of Salem on a path behind the Salem McDonald's on East Broadway last Tuesday night.

Harris was dressed in her restaurant uniform — a burgundy shirt and black slacks — in the amateur video taken on a cellphone.

Ferreira had been inside the McDonald's and Harris, on the clock, left work and followed Ferreira, attacking her around 7 p.m., police said.

The video, which has gone viral, shows Harris punching Ferreira at least 20 times, then kicking her and spitting on her before leaving.

The victim was bloodied and managed to make it to the guardhouse at Harvest Point apartments from where help was summoned.

Ferreira suffered a broken nose and numerous contusions to her face.

In an interview two days after the beating, Ferreira said she was afraid for not only herself but for her young son who is seen in the video kicking Harris' shins in an attempt to protect his mother.

After being processed Monday night, Harris emerged from the back door of the police station in handcuffs. Harris was dressed in black slacks and a black and gray checkered blouse. Her hair was pulled back.

She did not answer reporters' questions.

A crowd of about half a dozen young women gathered across Chestnut Street from the rear of the police station and yelled greetings to Harris as she headed for a police cruiser.

Harris was taken to the Salem County Correctional Facility in Mannington Township.

She has been charged with aggravated assault and two counts of making terroristic threats. Her bail was set at $35,000 full cash.

The Salem Police Department had partnered with the New Jersey State Police fugitive Unit and the U.S. Marshal's New Jersey/New York Regional Fugitive Task Force in an effort to locate Harris.

"I appreciate the work all agencies put forth during this investigation" the chief said.

Pelura revealed that state police had been close to capturing Harris in Philadelphia — the city where she was born and where apparently she had fled to — over the weekend.

The surrender ended a whirlwind day in which it was rumored she was going to surrender to state police at the Bellmawr barracks. When that did not happen, attention was turned back to the Salem Police Department.

While being booked here, Pelura said Harris made no statement about the incident.

"Obviously she is entitled to due process. I'm happy that that process has begun and the courts will decide her guilt or innocence," Pelura said.

"Hopefully this has brought something to light for society and hopefully people will make changes in themselves and better themselves and their children."

No more charges against Harris are expected.

Pelura also said he has discussed the possibility of charges against the bystanders with the Salem County Prosecutor's Office and it appears none can be made.

The story enraged people around the world. Many were especially upset that the crowd of about a dozen people who witnessed the beating failed to step in to help and were more concerned with getting a video of the pummeling than helping the victim.

Even offers of gifts for Ferreira have come in.

Pelura called the entire incident "disappointing and upsetting."

Sadly, he said, the incident has cast a negative light on the city where many positive things happen that are often overlooked.

A no contact order has been issued forbidding Harris from contacting Ferreira.

"I did speak to the victim personally and she does know she has been apprehend ... she is happy," the chief said.

Contact South Edition Editor Bill Gallo Jr. at 856-935-1500 ext. 432 or bgallo@southjerseymedia.com