A Philadelphia man accused of killing a police officer in a West Philadelphia ambush has been ordered held without bail after facing 76 charges. Eric Lewis, 35, was arraigned Sunday in connection with the shooting that killed Officer Shane Seiber and seriously wounded Seiber’s partner. The wounded officer, who was shot 12 times, was later listed in stable condition. Lewis’s next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 26.
The charges include murder, homicide of a law enforcement officer, attempted murder, 10 counts of attempted homicide of a law enforcement officer, aggravated assault and terroristic threats.
The incident began early Saturday after officers responded to a report of a man with a gun. Authorities later said Lewis was taken into custody during a barricade situation and was found with two handguns and a shotgun.
| 1) | Arraignment and charges |
| 2) | The early-morning police response |
| 3) | Officer Seiber’s death and partner’s recovery |
| 4) | Barricade operation and firearm evidence |
| 5) | Lewis’s criminal and employment history |
Arraignment and charges
Eric Lewis was arraigned Sunday morning in Philadelphia and ordered held without bail, according to court records. Prosecutors filed 76 charges arising from the shooting, including murder, homicide of a law enforcement officer and attempted murder.
The case also includes 10 counts of attempted homicide of a law enforcement officer, aggravated assault, terroristic threats and other related offenses. Lewis’s next court date is set for Oct. 26. The charges remain allegations, and the case will proceed through the court system.
The early-morning police response
The shooting unfolded at about 12:20 a.m. Saturday in West Philadelphia. Officers Shane Seiber and his partner were responding to a report of a man with a gun when they located an armed man on a porch, according to police.
After the officers reached the porch, they came under what police described as significant gunfire. Additional officers and a SWAT team arrived shortly afterward and found both officers suffering from gunshot wounds at the scene.
Officer Seiber’s death and partner’s recovery
Shane Seiber, 40, was killed in the attack. He was a father of two, an Air Force veteran and 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.
The other officer, a 33-year-old father of five, was shot 12 times. He was initially listed in critical condition before being reported in stable condition.
“He fought valiantly, but he lost his life today,” Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said at a Saturday news conference. “His wife was able to be by his side before he passed, as well as his family.”
Barricade operation and firearm evidence
Following the initial exchange of gunfire, authorities declared a barricade situation. Lewis was eventually taken into custody, according to police.
Police said Lewis possessed two handguns and a shotgun when he was apprehended. One of the handguns belonged to the wounded officer. District Attorney Larry Krasner declined to say whether Lewis had fired that weapon or explain how he obtained the other firearms.
Larry Krasner also said there was nothing in Lewis’s criminal background that would have prevented him from obtaining a firearm, based on the information available to authorities at the time.
Lewis’s criminal and employment history
Lewis is an employee of the Philadelphia Water Department. Pennsylvania court records show a criminal history dating to 2012, including convictions for theft and receiving stolen property that year.
In 2013, records show Lewis was convicted of gun-related offenses and simple assault. He received probation in both cases. In 2018, he pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct involving fighting and again received probation.
Records also show three traffic citations in 2024. The citations involved driving without headlights, failing to provide proof of insurance and a windshield-related violation.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Lewis faces 76 charges and is being held without bail. |
| 2 | Officer Shane Seiber was killed in the West Philadelphia ambush. |
| 3 | A second officer was shot 12 times and later listed in stable condition. |
| 4 | Police said Lewis was found with two handguns and a shotgun. |
| 5 | Lewis’s next court date is scheduled for Oct. 26. |
Summary
The prosecution against Eric Lewis follows a deadly police response to a report of an armed man in West Philadelphia. The incident left Shane Seiber dead and another officer wounded, while authorities later detained Lewis during a barricade operation. With 76 charges filed and no bail ordered, the case will next return to court on Oct. 26.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many charges does Eric Lewis face?
Lewis faces 76 charges, including murder, homicide of a law enforcement officer, attempted murder and multiple counts of attempted homicide of a law enforcement officer.
What happened to the Philadelphia officers?
Officer Shane Seiber was killed. His partner, a 33-year-old father of five, was shot 12 times and later listed in stable condition.
When is Lewis’s next court date?
Lewis’s next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 26.
