A Philadelphia police officer was killed and his partner was gravely wounded in an ambush-style shooting early Saturday in West Philadelphia, when a gunman opened fire on the two officers as they responded to a report of a man with a gun on a porch. Officer Shane Seiber, 40, a 10-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department, was struck three times and died at a hospital. His partner, a 33-year-old officer and father of five, was shot 12 times, underwent surgery, and was in stable condition, police said.
TL;DR: Two Philadelphia officers answered a “man with a gun” call just after midnight Saturday, October 10, in the 100 block of North 52nd Street. A gunman opened fire as they climbed the steps to a porch enclosed by an iron fence. Officer Shane Seiber, 40, was killed; his 33-year-old partner survived after surgery. Police arrested 35-year-old Eric Lewis, who is expected to face roughly 80 charges, including homicide of a law enforcement officer.
How the Ambush Unfolded
Just after midnight, the two officers were sent to the 100 block of North 52nd Street on a report of a man with a gun on a porch. As they climbed the steps to the porch — which was enclosed by an iron fence — the gunman opened fire on them, according to police and reporting by CNN.
During the attack, the gunman took a weapon from one of the wounded officers, police said. Additional officers who raced to help also came under fire. SWAT officers were dispatched, and after an intense standoff the suspect was located in a tree and taken into custody without serious injuries, Fox 29 reported. Investigators recovered a shotgun and two handguns connected to the incident.
A 10-Year Veteran and Devoted Family Man
Seiber had served the Philadelphia Police Department for a decade. He was a husband and a father of two young children, a 7-year-old son and a 3-year-old daughter. His wounded partner, 33, is also a father of five. Police leaders described the shooting as a deliberate ambush on officers who had gone to investigate a dangerous situation, and the department was left grieving a veteran who never made it home from his shift.
Suspect Faces Approximately 80 Charges
District Attorney Larry Krasner announced Saturday that Eric Lewis, 35, is expected to face approximately 80 charges. The anticipated charges include homicide of a law enforcement officer and murder, along with 10 counts each of attempted homicide and attempted murder — reflecting the gunfire directed at the two wounded officers and at nine additional officers who police say also came under fire as they responded.
Lewis has prior convictions including assault, theft, and carrying a firearm publicly, according to the district attorney’s office. He was being held without bail.
Mayor Calls for Involuntary Commitment Expansion
Mayor Cherelle Parker responded to the killing by calling for an expansion of involuntary commitment laws, saying the city needs stronger tools to intervene with people in crisis before violence erupts. The proposal is expected to draw debate in the coming weeks as details take shape.
As the case against Lewis moves forward, Seiber’s family, colleagues, and the city are mourning a 10-year veteran killed in the line of duty.
Featured image: georgev.eu
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the officer killed in Philadelphia?
Officer Shane Seiber, 40, a 10-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department. He was a husband and the father of two young children, ages 7 and 3. He was shot three times and died at a hospital.
What happened on North 52nd Street?
Just after midnight Saturday, October 10, two officers responded to a report of a man with a gun on a porch in the 100 block of North 52nd Street in West Philadelphia. A gunman opened fire as the officers climbed the steps to the porch, which was enclosed by an iron fence.
How is the wounded officer doing?
The second officer, 33 and a father of five, was shot 12 times. He underwent surgery and was in stable condition, according to police.
Who is the suspect in the shooting?
Eric Lewis, 35. He was found in a tree by SWAT officers after a standoff and taken into custody without serious injuries.
What charges does the suspect face?
District Attorney Larry Krasner said Lewis is expected to face approximately 80 charges, including homicide of a law enforcement officer and murder, plus 10 counts each of attempted homicide and attempted murder.
Did the suspect have a criminal record?
Yes. According to the district attorney’s office, Lewis has prior convictions including assault, theft, and carrying a firearm publicly. He is being held without bail.
What weapons were recovered at the scene?
Police recovered a shotgun and two handguns connected to the incident.
Why is the mayor talking about involuntary commitment?
Mayor Cherelle Parker called for expanding involuntary commitment laws after the killing, saying the city needs stronger ways to intervene with people in crisis before violence occurs.
