Pottstown man charged with attempted murder of police officer after domestic violence dispute

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POTTSTOWN, Pa. – Two calls to a domestic disturbance at a Pottstown apartment result in a man being charged with multiple crimes, including the attempted murder of a Pottstown police officer.

William Ciccoli, Jr. was charged with attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, aggravated assault, and other charges related to the attack on the police officer, as well as strangulation, simple assault, and other related charges related to the attack on his girlfriend.

Authorities said the incident occurred just after 2:30 Friday afternoon. Pottstown Police Corporal Anthony Fischer and his partner were dispatched to an apartment in the 200 block of Chestnut Street for a report of a domestic disturbance.

They encountered Ciccoli and his girlfriend in a fight at the apartment they shared. While the police took Ciccoli away from the scene, his girlfriend was notified of domestic violence. The officers decided to stay away from each other as they would later issue citations for harassment and criminal mischief for Ciccoli through the mail.

Officers were called back to the apartment two hours later and separated the pair again to determine what had caused another disturbance. The girlfriend said Ciccoli grabbed her by the neck and made it difficult for her to breathe. Bruises were also seen on the woman’s neck. The officer noticed a lump on his left cheekbone.

At this point Cpl. Fischer’s partner set out to take Ciccoli into custody, but Ciccoli attacked Cpl. Fischer and attempted to fight him.

Corporal Fischer’s body-worn camera was activated and during the struggle with Ciccoli he shouted, “He’s trying to take my gun!” he was heard saying.

Corporal Fischer’s partner then used the stun gun, but at that moment Ciccoli’s hands were seen on the Corporal. Fischer’s gun fired a shot that hit Cpl. Fischer’s hip.

Corporal Fischer was taken to Reading Hospital Trauma Center where he was in stable condition.

Ciccoli was taken into custody and is being held in the Montgomery County Jail pending a bail review and preliminary hearing.