Philadelphia police officer Shane Seiber killed in West Philly shooting, suspect was city employee

Officer Shane Seiber, a 10-year veteran, was shot dead and another officer hit 12 times in West Philadelphia. Suspect Eric Lewis, a city Water Department employee, faces homicide charges.

Philadelphia officer killed in West Philly ambush, Water Department worker charged

A Philadelphia police officer was shot dead and another gravely wounded in the early hours of Saturday morning on the 100 block of North 52nd Street in West Philadelphia, cbsnews.com reports. The suspect, Eric Lewis, opened fire on officers who had responded to a call about a man with a gun on a porch around 1 a.m., according to Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel.

Police identified the officer who died as Shane Seiber, 40, a 10-year veteran with two children. His wife and other relatives were at his side at the hospital. "He fought valiantly, but he lost his life today," Bethel said at a mid-morning news conference. A second officer, aged 33, was shot 12 times. That officer has served with the department for nine years and has been assigned to the 19th District since 2018. Nine other officers were fired at during the incident.

Lewis was taken into custody by SWAT after the shooting. He was transported to a local hospital for evaluation and subsequently handed over to the homicide unit, police said.

Water Department employee, union responds

District Council 33 President Greg Boulware confirmed that Lewis was employed by the Philadelphia Water Department. DC 33, the union representing municipal city employees, said it will cooperate with the investigation. "District Council 33 is deeply shaken by the tragic shooting involving two Philadelphia police officers, including Officer Shane Seiber, who was killed in the line of duty," the union said in a statement. "We extend our heartfelt condolences to Officer Seiber's family, loved ones, and colleagues, and we offer our sincere well-wishes for the full recovery of the officer who survived."

Charges and criminal history

Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner said Lewis has been charged with homicide of a law enforcement officer, murder, attempted homicide of a law enforcement officer, attempted murder, possession of an instrument of crime, reckless endangerment, and aggravated assault, among other counts. Lewis was to appear at a preliminary hearing Saturday and will be held without bail, Krasner said.

Pennsylvania state Representative Amen Brown, who lives a few blocks from the scene, stated that Lewis has "an extensive criminal record." Brown also said that at the time of his arrest, Lewis allegedly claimed he wished he had killed more officers.

Krasner declined to elaborate on Lewis' alleged criminal history at a Saturday afternoon press conference. "I cannot speak about that at this time," he said. "I think it's very important that the commissioner, that the mayor, that the head of the Fraternal Order of Police have their opportunity to explain what they know to the family first. In the coming days, we will be able to talk more about that."

Three guns recovered at scene

Officers responded after receiving a call about a man armed with a gun on a residential porch. When they approached, they came under heavy gunfire, Bethel said. Police recovered three weapons at the scene — two handguns and a shotgun. One of the handguns had been taken from one of the officers who was shot, according to Bethel.

Governor orders flags to half-staff

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro ordered U.S. and state flags to fly at half-staff in honour of Seiber. "Our law enforcement officers are the very best of us," Shapiro said. "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. We owe them our deepest gratitude."

Source: Google News MT — Crime (en)