Police identified a teenager who investigators say was caught on video knocking a man unconscious at a SEPTA station following an argument on a train.
SEPTA Police Chief Thomas Nestel announced officials used facial recognition software and two tipsters to positively identify the suspect. The teen is expected to turn himself in Thursday after police requested a warrant for his arrest, officials said.
The ordeal began Monday afternoon as a train moved towards the 15th Street SEPTA station in Center City. Surveillance video shows a 60-year-old man and a teenager arguing for 20 minutes, police said.
“We have a grown adult engaging in an argument with kids who were not a problem before he got on the train,” Nestel said. “So there are a lot of questions that have to be answered here.”
Update on assault of 60 year old: facial recognition software match; 2 tipsters; positive ID of suspect. Warrant has been requested.
— Thomas J. Nestel III (@TNestel3) April 1, 2015The video also shows several teen girls trying to calm the man and teen down as the argument continues. One girl is spotted in the video recording the confrontation on her cellphone.
The train arrived at the 15th Street Station around 3:15 p.m. Surveillance video then shows the teen punching the man in the face on the platform, knocking him out cold. The teen and witnesses then leave the scene.
The man was taken to the hospital and treated for concussion-like symptoms.
