Eric Lewis Faces Charges After Philadelphia Officer Shooting

Eric Lewis, 35, has been charged with homicide and other offenses after police say he shot 11 Philadelphia police officers in West Philadelphia, killing Officer Shane Seiber and wounding another officer. The incident occurred after officers responded to a gun call at a home on North 52nd Street.

According to the Philadelphia Police Department, Seiber, 40, a 10-year veteran assigned to the 19th district, was shot three times and died at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center. The injured 33-year-old officer was shot 12 times and remained hospitalized in stable condition.

Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner said Lewis faces charges including homicide of a law enforcement officer, attempted homicide of a law enforcement officer, disarming a law enforcement officer, aggravated assault, and other offenses. Police said Lewis fired at nine additional officers who arrived after the first shooting.

Krasner described the case during a news conference after announcing the charges.

"This is a brutal, senseless, horrific killing and multiple shooting of another officer," said Larry Krasner, Philadelphia District Attorney.

Krasner said Lewis would be held without bail while the investigation continued. Lewis was arraigned Sunday and is scheduled for a court appearance on Oct. 26, 2026, according to court records.

Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel provided details about the initial response and the danger officers encountered after arriving at the residence.

"He fought valiantly, but he lost his life today," said Kevin Bethel, Philadelphia Police Commissioner.

Bethel said the second officer injured in the shooting remained in serious condition during the initial response.

"not out of the woods yet," said Kevin Bethel, Philadelphia Police Commissioner.

Police said officers received a call about a person with a gun on a porch at 140 N. 52nd St. Officers arrived around 12:50 a.m. and encountered what Bethel described during the response.

"significant gunfire," said Kevin Bethel, Philadelphia Police Commissioner.

Bethel praised the officers involved in responding to the shooting and the department’s efforts during the standoff.

"Consistently, they go into danger, and they give their lives for this job," said Kevin Bethel, Philadelphia Police Commissioner.

Bethel also addressed the public after the officer was killed and another was wounded.

"And so we ask for those prayers, and we ask for you to support our men and women out there, and what they give for this profession," said Kevin Bethel, Philadelphia Police Commissioner.

The suspect was eventually taken into custody after a standoff. According to an arrest report, Lewis was found in a tree after SWAT officers responded and recovered firearms, including a handgun police said belonged to the injured officer.

The arrest report said Lewis made statements about the encounter after his arrest.

"I did what I did because they did what they did," said Eric Lewis, according to the arrest report.

The report said Lewis told officers during the standoff that he wanted a peaceful resolution.

"end this peacefully," said Eric Lewis, according to the arrest report.

The report also included statements Lewis allegedly made while receiving medical treatment after his arrest.

"They had guns, so I had every right to defend myself," said Eric Lewis, according to the arrest report.

Lewis has a criminal history dating back to 2012, according to court documents. Records show prior convictions involving theft, weapons-related offenses, and disorderly conduct.

In 2015, Lewis pleaded guilty to weapons charges connected to a 2013 incident and received probation, court records show. He also pleaded guilty in 2018 to disorderly conduct after a fight.

Philadelphia officials responded to the shooting with condolences for Seiber’s family and calls for further public safety measures.

"Lori and I are praying for Officer Seiber’s loved ones and the entire Philadelphia Police Department family as they grieve the loss of one of their brothers in uniform," said Josh Shapiro, Pennsylvania Governor.

Shapiro ordered U.S. and Pennsylvania flags in the commonwealth to be flown at half-staff in Seiber’s memory.

"Our law enforcement officers are the very best of us," said Josh Shapiro, Pennsylvania Governor.

U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick also issued a statement about the officer’s death.

"Philadelphia lost a hero today. We will never forget his sacrifice," said Dave McCormick, U.S. Senator.

U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans addressed Seiber’s family and the injured officer.

"praying for the family of Officer Seiber, and for a full recovery for the other officer," said Dwight Evans, U.S. Representative.

Evans also recognized the risks faced by police officers responding to emergencies.

"I’m grateful for the service of our police, who so often put themselves at risk to protect the entire community," said Dwight Evans, U.S. Representative.

Philadelphia City Councilmember Jamie Gauthier described the shooting as a major setback for neighborhood safety efforts.

"a tragic, senseless incident," said Jamie Gauthier, Philadelphia City Councilmember.

Mayor Cherelle Parker called for changes involving involuntary commitment laws after the shooting.

"to cover not only severe mental illness but substance use disorder and any kind of mental and/or behavioral challenge that could interfere with Philadelphia’s ability to keep itself safe," said Cherelle Parker, Philadelphia Mayor.

Krasner said it was too early to determine whether substance use disorder or mental illness played a role in the case.

"premature," said Larry Krasner, Philadelphia District Attorney.

The investigation remains ongoing as Lewis continues to face 76 criminal charges connected to the shooting, according to court documents.

"brazen and disturbing act of violence," said Larry Krasner, Philadelphia District Attorney.

Lewis worked for the Philadelphia Water Department, according to court documents cited by NBC10. His defense attorney has not commented publicly.

"if it was you that responded we would have just had a conversation," said Eric Lewis, according to the arrest report.