Crime
14-year-old LaJuan Swopes killed after shooting outside STEAM Academy at McCluer South-Berkeley High School in Ferguson
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — A 14-year-old has died and another juvenile remains in serious condition following a shooting Tuesday evening in the parking lot of STEAM Academy at McCluer South-Berkeley in Ferguson, authorities confirmed.
A 13-year-old suspect is currently in custody.
According to the Ferguson Police Department, the incident occurred as attendees were leaving a track meet that began earlier in the day at approximately 4 p.m.
The event, hosted at the school, involved participation from approximately 20 schools.
Police responded to reports of gunfire in the parking lot area and located multiple victims.
Early Wednesday, officials confirmed that one of those victims, a 14-year-old LaJuan Swopes, succumbed to their injuries.
Another juvenile, whose age has not been publicly released, sustained serious injuries and remains hospitalized.
Authorities have taken a 13-year-old into custody in connection with the shooting. No additional details regarding charges have been released at this time.
Ferguson Police spokesperson Patricia Washington stated that there is no ongoing threat to the public, emphasizing that the situation was quickly contained.
The Ferguson-Florissant School District confirmed that none of its students were involved in the incident.
In a statement, district officials expressed concern over the proximity of the violence to school grounds:
“We understand that situations like this can feel unsettling, and we are saddened to have something happen so close to our schools. We are grateful to our local law enforcement partners for their quick action. The safety of our students and staff will continue to be our top priority.”
Investigators have not yet determined what led to the shooting.
Authorities indicated that they are reviewing social media activity as part of efforts to establish a possible motive.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Crime
40-Year-Old Shane Seiber, Philadelphia Police Officer and Combat Veteran, Dies After West Philly Ambush
PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania — Philadelphia Police Officer Shane Seiber, 40, has died after being shot during an early morning shooting in West Philadelphia, leaving behind his wife and two young children. Seiber was a 10-year veteran of the police department and a combat veteran who was remembered as a dedicated officer with a heart of gold.
Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said Seiber’s wife and other family members were able to be with him at the hospital before he died. The department is mourning the loss as fellow officers gather to honor his service.
A second Philadelphia police officer who was wounded in the same incident is reportedly in stable condition, according to the latest information provided.
The shooting happened at approximately 1 a.m. Saturday, October 10, along the 100 block of North 52nd Street in West Philadelphia.
Both officers were assigned to the Philadelphia Police Department’s 19th District and were responding to reports of an armed man on a residential porch when they came under heavy gunfire, according to Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel.
Seiber suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was rushed to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center for emergency treatment. He later died at the hospital.
The 40-year-old officer had spent a decade serving the Philadelphia Police Department. He was also a combat veteran and a member of Philadelphia Police Academy Class 380.
Those remembering Seiber have described him as a man with a heart of gold who loved his job. His death has left his family and fellow officers grieving the loss of a husband, father and public servant.
Beyond his career in law enforcement, Seiber was a husband and father of two young children.
Commissioner Bethel confirmed that Seiber’s wife and other relatives were able to be at his side before he died. His family is now facing the painful reality of losing a loved one who devoted his life to serving others.
The loss has also deeply affected the Philadelphia Police Department, where colleagues are mourning an officer who served for 10 years.
As the department prepares to honor Seiber, thoughts and condolences are being shared for his wife, children, extended family and fellow officers.
A second officer was wounded during the same shooting and was also transported to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center.
Earlier reports described the surviving officer as being in critical condition. The latest information provided, however, says the officer is now in stable condition.
The officer’s identity has not been included in the information available for this report. Further updates may clarify the extent of the injuries and the officer’s recovery.
According to reports previously attributed to The Philadelphia Inquirer, the suspect allegedly ambushed the officers with a shotgun and later fired at additional officers responding to the scene.
The suspect reportedly fled before a SWAT team located the individual hiding in a tree and took the person into custody.
Investigators reportedly recovered three firearms, including a shotgun and a handgun believed to have been taken from one of the wounded officers.
An anonymous law enforcement source cited by The Philadelphia Inquirer named the alleged shooter as Eric Lewis, who was reportedly employed by the Philadelphia Water Department. Police had not officially confirmed that identity or announced charges in the information provided.
The investigation remains focused on the events leading up to the shooting and the circumstances surrounding the officers’ injuries.
Officer Shane Seiber’s death represents a profound loss for his family and the Philadelphia Police Department. A combat veteran and 10-year police veteran, he leaves behind a wife, two young children and colleagues who are mourning his death.
As fellow officers gather to honor his service, the department is also supporting the surviving officer and family members affected by the incident.
Our hearts are with Seiber’s family, especially his wife and children, as they navigate this unimaginable grief. We also hope the surviving officer continues to recover and receives the support needed in the days ahead.
Rest in peace, Officer Shane Seiber. Your service and sacrifice will not be forgotten.
The investigation into the West Philadelphia shooting is ongoing. Additional information may be released as authorities confirm further details.