Philadelphia police officer killed, another injured responding to overnight call of an armed man, suspect in custody

Philadelphia Police Officer Killed, Another Injured in Shooting

Healfromzero.com – A Philadelphia police officer was killed and another was seriously injured after they responded to a report of an armed man in West Philadelphia shortly after midnight Saturday. Officer Shane Seiber, 40, later died at a hospital after being shot three times.

Seiber had served with the Philadelphia Police Department for 10 years. He is survived by his wife and two young children, Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said. Family members, including Seiber’s wife, were able to be with him before he died.

“He fought valiantly, but he lost his life today,” Bethel said during a news conference.

Officers Were Responding to Armed-Man Report

The Philadelphia police officer killed, another injured incident began on the 100 block of North 52nd Street. Officers had been dispatched after a report that a man with a gun was on a porch in the West Philadelphia neighborhood.

Seiber and his partner approached the porch behind an iron fence when the gunman opened fire, authorities said. Police had not said where the suspect was standing when the shooting began.

Seiber’s 33-year-old partner, a father of five, was shot 12 times. He underwent surgery and was listed in stable condition Saturday, although Bethel said the officer’s injuries remained serious.

“Not out of the woods yet,” Bethel said of the injured officer.

During the confrontation, the gunman took a firearm from one of the injured officers near the entrance, according to Bethel. Additional officers rushed to the scene after hearing the shots, and the suspect fired at them as they arrived to help.

Suspect Taken Into Custody After SWAT Search

SWAT officers joined the search, and police eventually found the suspect in a tree. Authorities took him into custody and recovered a shotgun and two handguns, including the weapon taken from an officer.

Eric Lewis, 35, was charged with homicide in Seiber’s death, Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner said. He also faces attempted homicide and other charges connected to the shooting of Seiber’s partner and gunfire directed at nine additional responding officers.

Lewis was held without bail and was expected to be arraigned. He was not seriously injured during the encounter. Authorities were still determining whether he had legal representation.

“This is a brutal, senseless, horrific killing,” Krasner said.

The Philadelphia police officer killed, another injured shooting remained under investigation as authorities examined the events leading up to the gunfire and the full range of evidence recovered at the scene.

Officials Address Broader Public Safety Concerns

Seiber’s death added to a difficult period in Pennsylvania following another deadly episode of gun violence in Erie. Mayor Cherelle Parker called on Gov. Josh Shapiro and the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General to discuss potential changes involving involuntary commitment laws.

Parker said any new guidelines should consider severe mental illness, substance use disorder, and other behavioral challenges that may affect public safety. Krasner said it was too early to determine whether mental illness or substance use played a role in the Philadelphia shooting.

Philadelphia Shooting FAQ

Who was the officer killed in Philadelphia?

Officer Shane Seiber, 40, was killed after being shot while responding to an armed-man call in West Philadelphia. He had served with the Philadelphia Police Department for 10 years.

What is known about the injured officer?

The officer was shot 12 times, underwent surgery, and was listed in stable condition Saturday. Officials said his condition was still serious.

Was a suspect arrested?

Yes. Police took Eric Lewis, 35, into custody after locating him in a tree. He faces homicide, attempted homicide, and additional charges related to the shooting.