Eric Lewis, 35, the man accused of a deadly ambush that killed Philadelphia Police Officer Shane Seiber and wounded Officer Hector Rodriguez III, now faces a slew of federal charges. In addition to the extensive state charges including murder and attempted murder of law enforcement officers, Lewis has been indicted federally for charges stemming from his alleged use of a firearm during a crime of violence, possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon, theft of a firearm, and possession of stolen firearms and ammunition. U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, David Metcalf, emphasized that Lewis, a convicted felon, is prohibited by federal law from possessing any firearm and certainly from using one to commit robbery and kill an officer. Officer Seiber, a 10-year veteran and father of two, was killed and Officer Rodriguez was shot 12 times during the early morning incident on October 10th, when officers responded to a report of a man with a gun. Lewis’s criminal history dates back to 2012, including prior convictions for theft, gun-related offenses, and assault, leading to previous probation sentences. The indictment comes amidst controversy surrounding District Attorney Larry Krasner’s prior comments blaming police misconduct for Lewis’s acquittal in a previous murder case, a claim the Philadelphia Police Department has stated is unhelpful during this grieving period.
Adapted from: U.S. News Today on Fox News
