Philadelphia Officer Killed, Partner Wounded in 'Ambush' Shooting
Suspect Eric Lewis faces multiple charges, including murder, after a predawn incident that left one officer dead and another critically injured.
A Philadelphia police officer has died and his partner is in critical condition following an ambush shooting early Saturday morning. The incident occurred while the two officers were responding to a report of an armed individual. Officer Shane Seiber, a 10-year veteran of the force and a father of two, was pronounced dead at the hospital. His 33-year-old partner, who is a father of five, was shot 12 times and remains in stable but critical condition.
Police identified the suspect as Eric Lewis, 35. According to officials, Lewis opened fire on the officers moments after they stepped onto a porch at a residence on North 52nd Street in West Philadelphia. Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel described the shooting as a "brutal, senseless, horrific killing."
Lewis reportedly fled the scene and fired at nine additional officers who responded to the gunfire, but none of them were struck. A manhunt ensued, involving SWAT teams and a lockdown of the surrounding neighborhood. Lewis was apprehended around 3:30 a.m. after being found hiding in a tree.
Authorities recovered a shotgun and two handguns from Lewis, including a weapon belonging to one of the officers he shot. Lewis is facing approximately 80 charges, including murder and 10 counts of attempted murder. District Attorney Larry Krasner stated that Lewis will be held without bail.
Seiber, 40, was shot three times and died surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife, a seven-year-old son, and a three-year-old daughter. Mayor Cherelle Parker spoke at a press conference, calling Seiber "a 40-year-old servant leader of our Philadelphia village" who was "gone too soon."
Lewis is employed by the Philadelphia Water Department, a fact confirmed by the union representing him. District Council 33 expressed deep shock over the incident and pledged full cooperation with the investigation.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro ordered state flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of Officer Seiber. Shapiro stated, "Our law enforcement officers are the very best of us. They put their lives on the line every day, running towards danger to keep their fellow Pennsylvanians safe, not knowing if they will return home."
Court records indicate Lewis has a prior criminal history dating back to 2012, including admitted guilt to weapons offenses in 2015 for which he received probation and was ordered to undergo drug, alcohol, and mental health assessments. A memorial page for Officer Seiber noted that he was also a military veteran who served a 10-year tour.
