Philadelphia Police Officer Hector Rodriguez was released from the hospital on Saturday, marking a significant milestone two weeks after he and his partner were ambushed in West Philadelphia. Medical staff, law enforcement personnel, and community members gathered outside Penn Presbyterian Medical Center on Saturday morning to cheer for Rodriguez as he was discharged in an ambulance.
The incident unfolded just after midnight on Oct. 10, when Rodriguez and Officer Shane Seiber responded to reports of a man with a gun on North 52nd Street. According to officials, the two officers were ambushed upon arrival. During the gunfire, Rodriguez was struck 12 times, while Seiber sustained three gunshot wounds. Seiber succumbed to his injuries, while Rodriguez survived the attack.
Seiber was a 10-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department and left behind a wife and two children, both under the age of 10. His funeral was held on Oct. 20, during which he was posthumously promoted to sergeant.
The Philadelphia Police Department expressed deep appreciation for the medical staff who treated the wounded officers. In a statement, police said they were profoundly grateful to the doctors, nurses, surgeons, and entire medical team at Penn Presbyterian for their extraordinary skill, compassion, and tireless efforts on behalf of both officers and their families.
Community support has materialized through separate GoFundMe campaigns established for both families. The fundraiser dedicated to Seiber’s family has raised more than $120,000, while the campaign for Rodriguez has nearly met its $20,000 goal.
The alleged gunman, identified as Eric Lewis, was taken into custody after SWAT units arrived at the scene. Investigators reported that Lewis fired at a total of 11 officers during the incident and recovered three firearms linked to the shooting.
District Attorney Larry Krasner announced that Lewis faces approximately 80 charges, including homicide of a law enforcement officer and 10 counts of attempted murder, alongside other offenses. Lewis remains in police custody and is expected to stand trial first on federal charges, followed by prosecution in Philadelphia.
