Philadelphia Police Officer Killed in Ambush Shooting
A man accused of ambushing and killing a Philadelphia police officer was arraigned on Sunday morning, facing 76 charges and being held without bail, as per court documents.
Eric Lewis, 35, has been charged with multiple offenses including murder, homicide of a law enforcement officer, attempted murder, ten counts of attempted homicide of a law enforcement officer, aggravated assault, and terroristic threats among others. His next appearance in court is set for October 26.
The charges arise from a shooting incident on Saturday that resulted in the death of Officer Shane Seiber and left his partner injured.
Officer Seiber, 40, was a father of two and an Air Force veteran who had dedicated ten years to the Philadelphia Police Department. He is survived by his wife, a seven-year-old son, and a three-year-old daughter.
“He fought valiantly, but he lost his life today,” said Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel during a news conference on Saturday. “His wife was able to be by his side before he passed, as well as his family.”
The injured officer, a 33-year-old father of five, sustained twelve gunshot wounds and was initially reported in critical condition but has since stabilized.
The shooting began at around 12:20 a.m. on Saturday when the officers responded to a report of an armed individual. Upon arriving, they found a man on a porch.
According to police, significant gunfire immediately erupted as they approached the porch.
Additional officers and a SWAT team quickly arrived and discovered both officers on the porch with gunshot wounds.
Following more gunfire, authorities declared a barricade situation before apprehending Lewis.
Lewis was reportedly found with two handguns and a shotgun, one of which belonged to the injured officer.
At the Saturday press briefing, District Attorney Larry Krasner didn’t disclose whether Lewis fired the officer’s weapon or how he obtained the other firearms.
Krasner also mentioned that there was nothing in Lewis’ criminal history that would have prevented him from acquiring firearms.
Lewis, who works for the Philadelphia Water Department, has a criminal record dating back to 2012, as per Pennsylvania court records.
According to court documents, Lewis was convicted in 2012 for theft and receiving stolen property, as well as gun-related offenses and simple assault in 2013. He received probation for both cases.
In 2018, he pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct due to fighting and was again sentenced to probation.
Moreover, records indicate that Lewis received three traffic citations in 2024, including issues for driving without headlights and failing to present proof of insurance.
