Man claims self-defense in deadly SEPTA train shooting on Broad Street Line

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A man claims he was acting in self-defense when he shot and killed another person on SEPTA's Broad Street Line Friday night.

The incident occurred just after 7:30 p.m. at Girard Station in North Philadelphia.

According to Philadelphia Police Inspector D.F. Pace, a man in his 20s told officers he opened fire after being attacked without provocation while riding the train.

Pace said surveillance video shows an 18-year-old man pacing up and down the rail car before the shooting.

"It appears, without any provocation whatsoever, [he] began to strike the man who ultimately fired the weapon several times in the face," Pace said.

The 18-year-old was taken to Temple University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Police are interviewing the shooter, who has a license to carry and is being treated at a nearby hospital for head injuries.

There is no word yet on whether he will face charges.

"The District Attorney's Office will still have to review this matter. But based on what we see so far, we're investigating this as a case of an individual who was attempting to save himself from further serious bodily injury," Pace said.

The identity of the man who died has not been released.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 215-686-TIPS.