Pottstown police officer shot while responding to domestic incident, DA's office says
A police officer was rushed to the hospital after responding to a domestic incident in Pottstown Friday afternoon, the Montgomery County DA's office said.
According to a news release from the DA's office, officers responded to a home on Chestnut Street in Pottstown for a domestic disturbance just after 4:30 p.m. Once investigators arrived at the home, officials said they found William Ciccoli Jr. and a woman arguing.
Chopper 3 was over the scene as emergency officials responded Friday evening. Authorities later described the woman as Ciccoli's girlfriend.
Authorities tried to intervene, but Ciccoli grew frustrated and tried to grab one of the police officer's guns from their holster.
As they struggled, the gun was discharged and the police officer, Cpl. Anthony Fischer, was hit in the right hip, according to the DA's office.
On Saturday, the DA's office provided an update that referenced Fischer's bodyworn camera. In the video, Fischer can be heard saying "he's trying to get my gun," referring to Ciccoli. Another officer then tased Ciccoli, and the gunshot was fired almost immediately after, according to the news release.
The DA's office said the video shows Ciccoli had two hands on Fischer's weapon.
"It's sad. It's sad," said Chasta Lopez.
Lopez lives nearby and shared her concern for the officer who she said was just trying to do his job.
"The officer here to protect you and if you got a call for a domestic dispute and you get shot. How are you supposed to feel?" said Lopez. "This town needs to just do better, completely."
Fischer was taken to Reading Hospital Trauma Center and is now in stable condition after officers administered "lifesaving first aid," the DA's office said. Ciccoli was taken into custody. On Saturday, charges were announced.
Ciccoli is charged with attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, aggravated assault and other charges, as well as strangulation and simple assault of the woman.
He was arraigned Saturday and has court proceedings set for later this month.