Suspect in deadly Philadelphia police ambush charged with 76 counts

Eric Lewis, a 35-year-old employee of the Philadelphia Water Department, was arraigned on Sunday, Oct. 11, on 76 criminal charges related to a deadly ambush on police officers in West Philadelphia. According to court records, Lewis was ordered held without bail. His next court date is scheduled for Oct. 26, 2026.

The charges stem from a shooting that occurred around 12:20 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10. The incident resulted in the death of Philadelphia Police Officer Shane Seiber and left his partner hospitalized.

Charges and Court Proceedings

Lewis faces a range of serious offenses, including murder, homicide of a law enforcement officer, attempted murder, and 10 counts of attempted homicide of a law enforcement officer. Additional charges include aggravated assault and terroristic threats.

District Attorney Larry Krasner stated at a news conference that there was nothing in Lewis' criminal background that would have prevented him from obtaining a firearm. Krasner declined to specify whether Lewis had fired the officer's handgun or how he obtained the other weapons.

The Incident

Police said two officers responded to a report of a man with a gun. They located an armed man on a porch on North 52nd Street and came under "significant gunfire" after reaching the location, according to police.

Additional officers and a SWAT team arrived shortly after and found both officers on the porch suffering from gunshot wounds. More gunfire followed, prompting authorities to declare a barricade situation before Lewis was taken into custody. Police said Lewis was found in possession of two handguns and a shotgun, with one handgun belonging to the wounded officer.

Victims and Suspect History

Officer Shane Seiber, 40, was a father of two and an Air Force veteran who served at Dover Air Force Base from 2007 to 2015. He had been a 10-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department. Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said at a news conference, "He fought valiantly, but he lost his life today."

Seiber’s partner, a 33-year-old father of five, was shot 12 times. He was initially listed in critical condition but has since been listed in stable condition.

Court records reviewed by Fox News Digital and NBC10 indicate Lewis has a criminal history dating back to 2012. In 2012, he was convicted of theft and receiving stolen property, receiving probation. In 2013, he was convicted of gun-related offenses and simple assault, also receiving probation. In 2018, he pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct involving fighting and was sentenced to probation.

Why it matters

The case highlights the dangers faced by law enforcement during calls for service and raises questions about firearm access for individuals with prior criminal records. The arraignment marks the beginning of the legal process for Lewis, who remains in custody pending his next court appearance.

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Sources

• foxnews.com: Suspect in deadly ambush of Philadelphia police faces more than 70 charges | Fox News
• nbcphiladelphia.com: Suspect in deadly Philly ambush has criminal history: Docs – NBC10 Philadelphia

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