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Crews clear brush as Philadelphia police renew evidence search in fatal ambush case
Investigators returned to the West Philadelphia scene nearly a week after Officer Shane Seiber was killed and Officer Hector Rodriguez was wounded. The renewed search focused on possible shell casings and other evidence obscured by weeds and brush.
Philadelphia investigators returned to the West Philadelphia scene Friday to look for additional evidence nearly a week after an attack that killed Officer Shane Seiber and wounded Officer Hector Rodriguez.
City crews cut back weeds and brush around nearby properties so officers could search the area more thoroughly. A detective at the scene said the effort was intended to ensure the investigation was complete, with officers focusing in part on possible shell casings.
Police allege that Eric Lewis, 35, approached the officers as they responded to a report of a man with a gun. According to police, a scuffle followed, and Lewis pulled out a firearm and shot both officers, continuing to fire while they were on the ground. Seiber died; Rodriguez was wounded.
Damon Barnes, a nearby resident, said he felt for the officers and their families. He described Lewis as someone he had seen sitting on his porch with his dogs and said neighbors tended to keep their distance.
The case has prompted questions about Lewis’ history and why he was free when the shooting occurred. He was acquitted in the 2019 killing of Christopher Williams during a road-rage incident on North Fallon Street. Earlier this week, District Attorney Larry Krasner issued a video statement criticizing what he called a deficient police investigation in that case.
Seiber’s funeral services are scheduled for next week. A viewing is planned Monday at Givnish Funeral Home in Northeast Philadelphia, followed by a second viewing at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul and a funeral service. The Police Department has said its focus remains on the officers and their families.