Accused gunman arrested in SEPTA shooting

The 18-year-old man who allegedly shot two men on a SEPTA train over a 76ers game was arrested Friday evening in North Philadelphia, police said.

Police found Matthew Early about 6 p.m. as he was watching TV in the living room of a friend's house in the 1700 block of North 27th Street, said Lt. John Walker of the Southwest Detective Division.

"He was relaxing" when police arrived and was arrested without incident, Walker said.

Detectives were planning to execute a search warrant at the house for the gun that was used Dec. 12 at the 46th Street El station.

That night, Early allegedly opened fire after he and his 17-year-old brother, Eric, got into an argument with two Chicago Bulls fans following a Sixers loss to that team at the Wells Fargo Center.

One Bulls fan was shot in the stomach; the same bullet struck one leg of the other fan.

Surveillance video shows the gunman exiting the train and then quickly turning and firing into the car before running away with an accomplice.

Bail was set at $5 million for Eric Early, who was charged as an adult with attempted murder, aggravated assault, and conspiracy, among other offenses. A hearing is scheduled for Jan. 3.

Matthew Early, of the 100 block of South 49th Street, faces similar charges. Both brothers live on the 100 block of South 49th Street.