This browser does not support the Video element.
Federal charges brought suspect in shooting of Philadelphia police officers
Federal charges have been filed against Eric Lewis, the alleged gunman accused of fatally shooting Philadelphia police Sergeant Shane Seiber and wounding another on Oct. 10. in West Philadelphia.
PHILADELPHIA - Federal charges have been filed against Eric Lewis, the alleged gunman accused of fatally shooting Philadelphia police Sergeant Shane Seiber and wounding another on Oct. 10. in West Philadelphia.
Eric Lewis federally charged
What we know:
U.S. Attorney David Metcalf announced on Thursday the five federal charges brought against Lewis: Robbery, discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon, theft of a firearm that has moved in interstate commerce, and possession of a stolen firearm and stolen ammunition.
"No one attacks law enforcement without facing the consequences," U.S. Attorney Metcalf said. "Our thoughts remain with Officer Seiber’s loved ones and the Philadelphia Police Department. We also continue to pray for a swift and complete recovery for Officer Rodriguez. We can never right the terrible wrongs of October 10, 2026. But we can and will bring the person responsible to justice."
Philly DA blames 'flawed' past probe in case of suspect in cop's shooting
On Tuesday, DA Larry Krasner blamed a "deeply flawed" police probe for the past acquittal of Eric Lewis, 35, who is now charged in the fatal shooting of Philly Police Officer Shane Seiber.
Mecalf explained that the charges carry a maximum penalty of life in prison. The Philadelphia District Attorney's Office previously brought dozens of charges against Lewis, including homicide of a law enforcement officer and 10 counts of attempted murder.
"These charges represent another important step toward justice for Shane, Hector, and their families," Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said.
Philadelphia officers shot
The backstory:
Sergeant Seiber and Officer Hector Rodriguez III responded to the 100 block of North 52nd Street around midnight on Oct. 10 for reports of a person with a gun. The officers were immediately met by an ambush of gunfire, allegedly fired by Lewis.
Seiber, a husband and father of two, was shot three times and died from his injuries. Rodriguez was hit a dozen times, according to police, and was rushed to the hospital for treatment.
This browser does not support the Video element.
Philly honors fallen Sergeant Shane Seiber at citywide memorial service
Law enforcement, city and state leaders honored Sergeant Shane Seiber in Philadelphia Tuesday with a funeral service, final police honors, and a posthumous promotion after his line of duty death.
Lewis, 35, was allegedly armed with a ghost gun and a sawed-off shotgun. Metcalf said after shooting the officers, Lewis stole Officer Rodriguez's service weapon.
Lewis, who has a rap sheet of violent crime, is accused of firing on at least nine other officers as he fled. Investigators say he climbed a tree to hide and eventually surrendered after SWAT units arrived.
The Source: Information provided by the U.S. District Attorney David Metcalf and the Philadelphia Police Department.