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

Philadelphia Police Officer Killed in West Philadelphia Shooting

Earthguardiansonline.com – A Philadelphia police officer killed another injured case is under investigation after gunfire erupted during an overnight call involving an armed man in West Philadelphia. Officer Shane Seiber, 40, died after being shot, while his partner was critically wounded. Police said the suspect was later taken into custody.

Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said Seiber was shot three times and died at a hospital Saturday. He had served with the department for 10 years and is survived by his wife and two young children.

“He fought valiantly, but he lost his life today,” Bethel said, adding that Seiber’s wife and family were able to be with him before he died.

Officers Responded to Report of Armed Man

The shooting began shortly after midnight Saturday on the 100 block of North 52nd Street. The officers had responded to a report of a man carrying a gun on a porch in the West Philadelphia neighborhood.

Authorities said the officers were walking up steps toward an iron-fenced porch when the gunman began firing. Police have not publicly detailed the shooter’s exact position when the attack started.

Seiber’s 33-year-old partner, a father of five, was shot 12 times. He underwent surgery and was in stable condition Saturday, although Bethel said his recovery remained uncertain.

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

Suspect Taken Into Custody After SWAT Response

During the confrontation, the suspect allegedly took a firearm from one of the wounded officers near the entryway. Additional officers rushed to help, and authorities said the suspect fired at responding police officers.

SWAT officers were sent to the block as police searched the area. The suspect was eventually found in a tree and taken into custody. Officers recovered a shotgun and two handguns, including a weapon prosecutors said had been taken from an injured officer.

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

Lewis was being held without bail and was expected to be arraigned. Authorities said he did not suffer serious injuries. Court records show prior convictions involving assault, theft and carrying a firearm in public.

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

Department Mourns Officer Shane Seiber

The Philadelphia police officer killed another injured shooting left a family, fellow officers and the department facing an immense loss. Seiber’s partner remained under medical care Saturday following surgery.

The attack highlighted the danger officers can face when responding to reports involving weapons. What began as a call about an armed person became a lengthy emergency response involving medical care, additional officers and a tactical search.

The Philadelphia shooting occurred one day after a separate deadly shooting in Erie, Pennsylvania, where officers found nine people dead from gunshot wounds, including two children, a pregnant woman and the suspected shooter.

Philadelphia Police Shooting FAQ

Where did the shooting happen? The shooting happened on the 100 block of North 52nd Street in West Philadelphia.

Who was the officer killed? Police identified the officer as Shane Seiber, 40, a 10-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department.

What is the condition of the wounded officer? The officer underwent surgery and was listed in stable condition Saturday, though officials said his recovery remained uncertain.

Is a suspect in custody? Yes. Authorities said Eric Lewis was taken into custody after officers located him in a tree. He faces homicide and other charges.