Gunman charged after 1 Philadelphia police officer killed, another wounded in shooting: news

Gunman Charged After Philadelphia Police Officer Killed and Another Wounded in West Philadelphia Shooting

A 35-year-old suspect faces homicide and related charges after opening fire on law enforcement officers early Saturday in West Philadelphia, leaving one officer dead and another wounded.

The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office identified the suspect as Eric Lewis, a Philadelphia municipal water department employee. Lewis has been formally charged with homicide of a law enforcement officer, murder, attempted homicide of a law enforcement officer, reckless endangerment, and possession of an instrument of crime. Authorities confirmed that Lewis is being held without bail pending a preliminary hearing.

Ambush During Response Call

The shooting occurred around 1:00 a.m. on the 100 block of North 52nd Street in West Philadelphia. Officers arrived in the neighborhood following emergency dispatch calls regarding an individual armed with a gun.

According to investigators, as two responding officers approached a residential porch, the suspect opened fire without warning. The gunfire struck 40-year-old Officer Shane Seiber multiple times, fatally wounding him. His 33-year-old partner sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the lower body and extremities. Authorities stated that the gunman also unleashed gunfire at nine additional responding officers, none of whom were struck.

Both injured officers were transported immediately to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center. Officer Seiber succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival. The second officer underwent emergency surgery and remains in stable condition.

Tributes and Investigation

Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel addressed the tragedy during a press briefing, honoring Officer Seiber’s decade of service to the department and the city. Seiber, a 10-year police veteran, is survived by his wife and two young children. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro ordered flags across state facilities to fly at half-mast in tribute to the fallen officer.

Following the gunfire, police cordoned off the perimeter, recovered ballistic evidence at the scene, and apprehended Lewis nearby without further exchange of gunfire. The Philadelphia Police Department’s Homicide Unit and the District Attorney’s Office continue their joint investigation into the incident.