A police officer in suburban Philadelphia was injured on Friday afternoon after a man allegedly attempted to grab the officer’s gun from its holster during a violent struggle. The incident, which occurred in Pottstown, has led to charges of attempted murder against the suspect.
Details of the Incident
Montgomery County prosecutors stated that officers had initially responded to a domestic dispute at an apartment in Pottstown. After de-escalating the situation, they left the scene after the couple involved in the dispute promised to remain apart. However, officers were called back to the apartment shortly after 4:30 p.m. when the woman involved in the dispute alleged that the man, identified as 42-year-old William Ciccoli Jr., had grabbed her by the neck.
As officers attempted to arrest Ciccoli on charges of domestic assault, prosecutors say he charged at a police corporal and struggled with him. According to body-camera footage, the corporal can be heard stating, “He’s trying to get my gun.”
Gunshot Fired During Struggle
During the altercation, prosecutors say the corporal’s firearm discharged. The body-camera footage reportedly shows Ciccoli with both hands on the corporal’s gun when the shot went off. In the chaos of the struggle, one of the other officers deployed a stun weapon to subdue Ciccoli.
Officer Injured and Taken to Hospital
The corporal, who was struck in the right hip by the gunshot, was transported to Reading Hospital. He underwent surgery and was later listed in stable condition.
Charges Against Ciccoli
Ciccoli, a 42-year-old from the area, has been charged with attempted murder of a police officer, aggravated assault, disarming an officer, strangulation, simple assault, and reckless endangerment, according to court documents. Ciccoli’s attorney is not listed in court records, and efforts to reach him have not been successful.
The case has sparked attention due to the seriousness of the charges and the danger the officers faced during the incident. Authorities have emphasized the gravity of Ciccoli’s actions, which could have led to far more severe consequences for both the officers and the public.
