William Ciccoli, 42, of Pottstown. (Credit: Montgomery County District Attorney's Office)
William Ciccoli Jr., of Pottstown, allegedly grabbed an officer's gun during an altercation.
Attempted murder and assault charges of a police officer lodged against a Pottstown Borough man were waived to Montgomery County Common Pleas Court at a preliminary hearing this month.
At a Dec. 17 hearing, William Ciccoli Jr., 42, also waived two counts of aggravated assault, felony strangulation, felony disarming a law enforcement officer, simple assault, and recklessly endangering another person, per court records.
At 2:40 p.m., Pottstown Police were called to an apartment complex on the 200 block of Chestnut Street, for a disturbance, where they encountered Ciccoli and a victim, who had to be separated due to an altercation, authorities said.
Police intended to cite Ciccoli for harassment and criminal mischief via summons through the mail, police said.
Two hours later, police returned to the residence, and separated the two parties again, in order to ascertain what occurred, authorities said. Police observed swelling on the neck and cheek of the victim and Ciccoli was taken into custody for assault, per the report.
Ciccoli allegedly struggled with an officer, who can be heard on body cam video saying, “He’s trying to get my gun.” Another officer tasered Ciccoli, and almost simultaneously, a gunshot was heard, authorities said.
The first officer was struck in the right hip with the bullet, police said. Body cam video shows Ciccoli with both hands on the officer’s gun before the gunshot, Steele said.
Officers administered lifesaving aid to the officer, but he was taken to Reading Hospital Trauma Center where he underwent surgery, according to Steele. The officer is in stable condition as of Saturday.
Ciccoli remains jailed without bail at Montgomery County. Formal arraignment in county court is set for Jan. 29.
Pottstown Community Justice Unit Captain and Assistant District Attorney Gabrielle Hughes has been assigned as prosecutor.
All suspects and defendants are innocent until proven guilty. This story was compiled using public court records.
