Krasner to discuss criminal record of suspect charged in shooting of Philly police officers
PHILADELPHIA - District Attorney Larry Krasner on Tuesday will discuss the past criminal record of Eric Lewis, a man facing dozens of charges in the deadly ambush shooting of two Philadelphia police officers.
What we know:
Eric Lewis, 35, is accused of ambushing Philadelphia police officers as they responded to a call about a person with a gun on the 100 block of North 52nd Street around midnight Saturday,
Officer Shane Seiber, 40, was shot three times and later died from his injuries after being rushed to the hospital. Another wounded officer, a 33-year-old father of five, was shot a dozen times and remains hospitalized.
Philly officers shot: Mugshot released of smiling suspect accused of shooting 2 officers
Eric Lewis is facing dozens of charges, including murder, after police say he shot two police officers, leading one dead and another fighting for his life.
Investigators say Lewis ran away from the shooting scene and fired at more officers in a nearby alley before climbing a tree to hide and eventually surrendering to SWAT officers. Three firearms connected to the incident, including a shotgun, were recovered at the scene.
What they're saying:
Mayor Parker emphasized the deep loss felt by the city and expressed her frustration over the violence, noting this is the third tragic loss of life the city has experienced over the past week.
In response, Parker announced she is working with Governor Josh Shapiro and state officials to seek legislation that would expand Pennsylvania's involuntary commitment laws.
DA announces charges, names suspect in fatal West Philadelphia police ambush
Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner has announced charges against Eric Lewis in connection with the tragic West Philadelphia police ambush. Lewis faces numerous charges, including the homicide of a law enforcement officer, after shooting two officers—one fatally—and firing at nine additional responding officers, bringing the total number of victims to 11. He is currently in police custody and will be held without bail as the investigation continues.
"We are coming to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and seek legislation that will expand involuntary commitment laws 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," Parker stated. "We can no longer act as if the laws we have on the books are enough to protect the Commonwealth."
The Source: Information provided by the Philadelphia Police Department, the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office, and previous FOX 29 News reports.