EVERETT, Wash. (AP) — A Washington state man has pleaded not guilty in the case of a fatal shooting that authorities say was likely an act of road rage.

74-year-old Simeon Berkley was charged with second-degree murder in the July 6 death of 49-year-old Steven Whitemarsh.

Berkley says he shot Whitemarsh in self-defense after Whitemarsh’s vehicle rear-ended his car in Everett.

A Snohomish County deputy prosecutor says the collision was likely caused by Berkley “slamming on his brakes” in front of Whitemarsh in the driving lane.

Police records say a witness described Berkley approaching Whitemarsh’s vehicle after the collision and firing two shots into his rolled-down window.