Officer Killed on Gun Call; Suspect Charged With Murder

Murder Charge Follows Overnight Police Response

A Philadelphia officer was killed and his partner wounded on an armed-man call; the suspect now faces a murder charge. Eric Lewis, 35, appeared in Municipal Court early October 11, where he also faced 10 attempted murder counts, court records cited by The Philadelphia Inquirer show.

Officer Shane Seiber, 40, and another officer responded to a West Philadelphia home early October 10. Police said they came under gunfire as they approached the property.

Seiber died at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center. A 10-year department veteran, he was a husband and father of two children.

Responding Officers Also Came Under Fire

Police said the encounter developed into a standoff as additional officers reached the scene. Lewis allegedly fired at responding police before he was taken into custody. No other officers were injured, according to the department’s account.

Lewis was held without bail, according to court records reported October 11. The Defender Association of Philadelphia represents him; its chief defender declined to comment to the Inquirer. The charges are allegations, not convictions.

Surviving Officer Remains Hospitalized

The surviving officer, 33, remained hospitalized in stable but serious condition in the Inquirer’s October 11 report. Police had not publicly released his name.

Seiber’s wife and relatives were at his bedside before he died, Commissioner Kevin Bethel said. His two children are 7 and 3, according to the Inquirer’s profile of the officer.

References: Eric Lewis charged with murder for fatally shooting Philadelphia police officer Shane Seiber, wounding other officer | Officer slain in West Philadelphia shooting was a father of two and a 10-year veteran of the force