Cops: Delco man killed robber in self defense

A 68-year-old man fatally shot a man who attempted to rob him in a park in Upper Darby Wednesday afternoon, police said.

The shooter was licensed to carry a gun and acted in self defense by pulling his own revolver on two robbers, said Upper Darby Police Superintendent Michael Chitwood.

"It looks like the victim was minding his own business, walking legally," Chitwood said.

The 68-year-old man was walking by himself through Cobbs Creek Park when he was approached by two males in their late 20s, police said.

One of the men had a stick in his hand and the other man had a gun, the man told police. He pulled out his own gun and shot the man carrying the stick. The other man fled the scene, Chitwood said. The shooter then also left the scene, called 911, and described the incident.

The man who died had not been identified Wednesday afternoon. Chitwood declined to identify the shooter, who was transported to the hospital with chest pains. He said the investigation was ongoing, but charges against the shooter were not expected.

"He feared for his life. He pulled his gun and shoots one of the holdup men and kills him," Chitwood said.

Police had also not identified the third man involved.

- Laura McCrystal