PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Investigators released new details Tuesday about the suspect charged in the deadly ambush of two police officers in West Philadelphia.
Authorities say Eric Lewis opened fire on the officers Saturday.
Officer Shane Seiber, 40, was killed in the encounter after being shot three times. He was a husband and father of two young children.
Another officer — a 33-year-old with five children — is currently hospitalized in stable condition after being shot 12 times.
Now, we’re learning why he wasn’t behind bars, despite a long criminal record.
Action News has learned that Lewis faced charges, including for firearms, drugs, assault, and theft dating, back to 2012.
Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner said Lewis was arrested for murder after an August 2019 “road rage” double shooting. However, that case was dismissed due to a lack of witnesses and other case issues.
“The excellent prosecutors involved did everything humanly possible with a deeply troubled investigation. A highly-respected judge was forced to find Lewis not guilty due to that troubling and deficient investigation,” Krasner said.
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In 2011, Lewis was also charged with assault and gun offenses in another matter. Officials say that case never went to trial after the key victim/witness died from natural causes.
Lewis was a member of District Council 33, working as a tradesman with the Philadelphia Water Department for less than two years.
City officials say they’re reviewing his hiring and employment history but don’t yet have details to provide.
In 2011, the city passed the so-called Ban the Box law, which set certain rules about asking about a potential employee’s criminal history.
The law has been amended a few times. Felonies can be considered if they occurred within seven years, and misdemeanors are limited to four years.
Action News attempted to reach Lewis’ public defender for comment, but we were unsuccessful.
He is now charged with Homicide of a Law Enforcement Officer, Murder Generally, Attempted Homicide of a Law Enforcement Officer (10 Counts) and related offenses. Lewis will be held in custody and is ineligible to post cash bail, according to officials.
“Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office is deeply committed to holding Defendant Eric Lewis accountable and fighting for justice for those impacted by these very serious and violent crimes,” Krasner said.
The district attorney’s office is asking anyone who may have been a victim of Lewis to contact the DAO’s Victim Services Unit at 215-686-8027 or the Philadelphia Police Department at 215-686-TIPS.
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