Early Saturday morning, a violent ambush on the porch of a house in West Philadelphia left one police officer dead and another seriously injured. The incident, reported by Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin J. Bethel, unfolded after a 12:22 a.m. call alerted officers to an armed man on the premises.

Victims and response

Officer Shane Seiber, 40, who had served the department for ten years, was killed in the attack. He leaves behind a seven‑year‑old son and a three‑year‑old daughter. The second officer, a 33‑year‑old father of five, was shot 12 times but remains in stable condition at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center.

Commissioner Bethel praised the bravery of the fallen officer, saying, “He fought valiantly, but he lost his life today.” He also expressed pride in the department, noting that officers consistently put themselves in danger to protect the community.

Suspect arrested

District Attorney Larry Krasner identified the suspect as 35‑year‑old Eric Lewis. Lewis faces charges of murder, homicide of a law‑enforcement officer, attempted murder for wounding the second officer, and additional counts including disarming an officer and reckless endangerment. He is also charged with nine counts of attempted murder for allegedly firing at nine other officers, though none were hit.

Lewis was apprehended after climbing a tree and continuing to fire at responding officers. Police recovered a shotgun and two handguns, one of which had been taken from an officer during the attack.

Community reaction

Mayor Cherelle Parker, Governor Josh Shapiro, and Pennsylvania’s U.S. senators expressed grief and gratitude to the police force. Governor Shapiro ordered state flags to be flown at half‑staff in honor of Officer Seiber.

Scores of police officers, firefighters, and emergency workers gathered outside the hospital to show respect for the fallen officer and support the wounded colleague.

Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.