{"id":305868,"date":"2026-10-13T17:12:11","date_gmt":"2026-10-13T17:12:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/305868\/"},"modified":"2026-10-13T17:12:11","modified_gmt":"2026-10-13T17:12:11","slug":"new-details-released-on-criminal-record-of-accused-philadelphia-cop-killer-eric-lewis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/305868\/","title":{"rendered":"New details released on criminal record of accused Philadelphia cop killer Eric Lewis"},"content":{"rendered":"

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Investigators released new details Tuesday about the suspect charged in the deadly ambush of two police officers in West Philadelphia.<\/a><\/p>\n

Authorities say Eric Lewis opened fire on the officers Saturday.<\/p>\n

\"Eric<\/p>\n

Officer Shane Seiber, 40, was killed in the encounter after being shot three times. He was a husband and father of two young children.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Another officer — a 33-year-old with five children — is currently hospitalized in stable condition after being shot 12 times.<\/p>\n

Now, we’re learning why he wasn’t behind bars, despite a long criminal record.<\/p>\n

Action News has learned that Lewis faced charges, including for firearms, drugs, assault, and theft dating, back to 2012.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

“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.<\/p>\n

RELATED: Brother of alleged Philadelphia cop killer says he had an angry and troubled past<\/a><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Lewis was a member of District Council 33, working as a tradesman with the Philadelphia Water Department for less than two years.<\/p>\n

City officials say they’re reviewing his hiring and employment history but don’t yet have details to provide.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Action News attempted to reach Lewis’ public defender for comment, but we were unsuccessful.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

“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.<\/p>\n

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.
<\/p>\n

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