Philadelphia officer killed in deadly ambush
A deadly ambush in West Philadelphia killed Officer Shane Seiber and left his partner hospitalized after being struck by multiple bullets. Eric Lewis, an employee of the Philadelphia Water Department, has been charged with more than 70 offenses, including murder and homicide of a law enforcement officer. Pennsylvania court records show the 35-year-old suspect has a criminal history dating back to 2012.
Eric Lewis, the man accused of ambushing and killing a Philadelphia police officer, was arraigned Sunday morning on 76 charges and ordered held without bail, court records show.
Lewis, 35, faces charges of murder, homicide of a law enforcement officer, attempted murder, 10 counts of attempted homicide of a law enforcement officer, aggravated assault, terroristic threats and related offenses. His next court appearance is set for Oct. 26.
The charges follow a Saturday shooting that claimed the life of Philadelphia Officer Shane Seiber and wounded his partner.
Seiber, 40, was an Air Force veteran and a father of two who had served with the Philadelphia Police Department for 10 years. He is survived by his wife, a 7-year-old son and a 3-year-old daughter.
Eric Lewis faces 76 charges, including murder, attempted murder, homicide of a law enforcement officer and 10 counts of attempted homicide of a law enforcement officer. (Philadelphia Police Department)
“He fought valiantly, but he lost his life today,” Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said at a news conference Saturday. Bethel said Seiber’s wife and family were able to be with him before he died.
The second officer, a 33-year-old father of five, was shot 12 times and initially listed in critical condition. His condition has since improved to stable.
The confrontation began at about 12:20 a.m. Saturday, when the officers responded to a report of a man with a gun. Police said they found an armed man standing on a porch.
The fallen officer was identified as Shane Seiber, a 40-year-old father of two and Air Force veteran who spent 10 years with the Philadelphia Police Department. (Philadelphia Police Department)
MORE ON THIS: Saudi Airport Hit by Missile Day After Houthi Strike Killed 13
As the officers approached the porch, they were met with “significant gunfire,” according to police.
More officers and a SWAT team arrived shortly afterward and discovered both members of the original patrol on the porch with gunshot wounds.
Further shots were fired, leading authorities to declare a barricade situation. Lewis was eventually arrested, police said.
Police said Lewis had two handguns and a shotgun. One of the handguns belonged to the officer who survived the attack.
District Attorney Larry Krasner said Saturday that he could not disclose whether Lewis had used the officer’s handgun or explain how the suspect obtained the other weapons.
Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said the fallen officer “fought valiantly, but he lost his life.” (Kyle Mazza/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Krasner also said Lewis’ criminal record did not include anything that would have legally barred him from buying or possessing a firearm.
Lewis works for the Philadelphia Water Department and has a criminal record dating to 2012, according to Pennsylvania court records reviewed by News Media.
Records show Lewis was convicted of theft and receiving stolen property in 2012. The following year, he was convicted of gun-related offenses and simple assault. He received probation in both cases.
In 2018, Lewis pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct stemming from a fight and was again sentenced to probation.
Records also show Lewis received three traffic citations in 2024, including driving without headlights, failing to provide proof of insurance and a windshield-related violation.