A Philadelphia police officer was killed and another was wounded early Saturday after officers responded to a report of a man with a gun in West Philadelphia.
Officer Shane Seiber, 40, died at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center after being shot three times, Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said.
Seiber had served with the Philadelphia Police Department for 10 years and was assigned to the 19th District.
A second officer, a 33-year-old father of five, was shot 12 times and remained in stable condition after undergoing surgery, officials said.
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Police Officer: What happened in West Philadelphia
Police were called shortly after midnight Saturday to the 100 block of North 52nd Street following reports of a man carrying a gun.
When officers arrived, they encountered heavy gunfire, according to authorities.
Seiber and the other officer were taken to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, where both underwent emergency treatment.
Seiber’s wife and other family members were with him before he died, the police commissioner said.
Authorities said several other officers also came under fire during the response, but no additional officers were reported injured.
Suspect faces homicide and attempted-murder charges
Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner identified the suspect as 35-year-old Eric Lewis.
Lewis was arrested after police located him in a tree, according to authorities.
Prosecutors announced charges including homicide of a law enforcement officer, murder, attempted homicide of a law enforcement officer, attempted murder, aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, weapons offences and possession of an instrument of crime.
The charges allege that Lewis fired at the two officers and at nine additional officers who responded to the scene.
Lewis was being held without bail while the investigation continued.
The allegations have not been tested in court.
Family and department mourn fallen officer
Seiber is survived by his wife, a seven-year-old son and a three-year-old daughter.
Commissioner Bethel said the officer fought for his life before succumbing to his injuries.
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker described Seiber’s death as a loss for his family, colleagues and the wider city.
Josh Shapiro said flags would be lowered to half-staff in Seiber’s honour.
The shooting is expected to remain under investigation as prosecutors prepare the case against Lewis and authorities review the circumstances surrounding the initial police response.
What comes next
The surviving officer’s medical condition will continue to be monitored as the Philadelphia Police Department supports his family and colleagues.
Lewis is expected to face a preliminary court appearance, where the charges and the next steps in the criminal case will be addressed.
Investigators will also continue gathering physical evidence, witness accounts and other records connected to the shooting.
For Philadelphia residents, the incident has renewed attention on the risks officers face when responding to reports involving firearms, particularly when the initial information is limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the Philadelphia police officer killed in the shooting?
The officer was Shane Seiber, 40, a 10-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department assigned to the 19th District.
Where did the Philadelphia police shooting happen?
The shooting happened in West Philadelphia near the 100 block of North 52nd Street after police received a report of a man with a gun.
Was another police officer injured?
Yes. A second officer, 33, was shot 12 times and was reported to be in stable condition after surgery.
Who was charged in the officer’s death?
Authorities identified Eric Lewis, 35, as the suspect. He faces homicide, murder, attempted-murder, aggravated-assault, weapons and related charges.
What happens next in the case?
The investigation continues while prosecutors prepare the case. Lewis is expected to appear in court, where the charges and future proceedings will be addressed.
Fact-Checked: Key details were checked against statements attributed to the Philadelphia Police Department, the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office and Pennsylvania officials.
Disclaimer: Criminal charges are allegations, and the accused is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.