Last updated on Nov. 16, 12 p.m.
PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A police officer was shot while trying to break up a domestic disturbance Friday afternoon in Pottstown. A man is now facing attempted murder charges.
The Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office said police were first called to an apartment near Chestnut and North Charlotte streets around 2:40 p.m., where William Ciccoli Jr. and his girlfriend were engaged in a dispute.
Police separated them and the couple agreed to stay away from each other. Police intended to issue Ciccoli two citations, via mail, for harassment and criminal mischief.
However, police were called back to the apartment at 4:35 p.m. for another domestic disturbance. The girlfriend told officers that Ciccoli "grabbed her by the neck, making it difficult for her to breathe," officials said.
As one officer tried to take Ciccoli into custody for domestic assault, Ciccoli charged at the other officer, Cpl. Anthony Fischer. Officials said a struggle ensued and Ciccoli tried to get Fischer’s gun from his holster.
Just as the second officer deployed his Taser on Ciccoli, a gunshot went off, striking Fischer in the right hip, investigators said. He was taken to a nearby hospital and is now in stable condition.
According to the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, "body cam video shows Ciccoli with both hands on [Fischer’s] firearm before the gunshot."
Ciccoli was arrested and charged in connection with both the domestic incident and the shooting. Charges include attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, aggravated assault, strangulation, simple assault and other related offenses.
An investigation is ongoing.