Authorities in Philadelphia have charged a 40-year-old man with involuntary manslaughter following his involvement in a fight that led to another individual being fatally struck by a train after he was pushed onto the tracks.
According to NBC10 Philadelphia, the fatal January 5 incident happened at a University City SEPTA station – specifically on the platform for the Market-Frankford line at 34th and Market streets.
The suspect, identified as Chaz Wearing, is said to have gotten into a fight with a 38-year-old man. Authorities said the deceased victim initially scolded and made threatening gestures at Wearing while also grabbing him.
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Police said Wearing, who is believed to be homeless, swung two punches at the man after he managed to get himself loose from his grip. Investigators said the man subsequently landed on the train tracks while Wearing fell on the platform. The man was fatally struck by a SEPTA train shortly after.
“Appeared to be some type of physical altercation. We don’t know exactly what took place prior to that to initiate this, but it’s being investigated at this point,” Philadelphia Police Inspector Kpana Massaquoi told NBC10.
Authorities later arrested Wearing at the next station stop. “It’s kind of scary that that kind of thing is happening around here. I thought it was pretty safe but I guess it’s pretty out of the ordinary for that to happen,” a SEPTA passenger said.
