Man on trial for shooting police officer with officer’s gun claims he did not pull the trigger.

A Pottstown man is facing serious charges, including attempted murder, stemming from a November incident in which a borough police officer was shot with his own firearm. The accused, William Ciccoli Jr., aged 42, has denied any responsibility for firing the weapon during his ongoing trial, which has unveiled a series of contentious events between Ciccoli and law enforcement officials.

During his testimony, Ciccoli asserted that he had no intention of injuring Cpl. Anthony Fischer, the officer involved in the shooting. The incident occurred at Ciccoli’s apartment when Fischer and his partner attempted to apprehend him following allegations made by Ciccoli’s ex-girlfriend, who claimed he had physically assaulted her during an argument. Ciccoli contended that he sought only to have his ex-partner removed from his residence, insisting that the accusations were unfounded.

Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele introduced compelling evidence during the trial, including video footage from body-worn cameras that allegedly captured Ciccoli seizing Fischer’s weapon from its holster. Steele stated that during a struggle between the two men, Ciccoli fired the gun, resulting in a gunshot wound to Fischer’s right leg that narrowly missed his femoral artery.

Testimony revealed that both Fischer and Officer John Schmalbach had previously responded to Ciccoli’s apartment earlier that day after he reported a heated argument with his ex-girlfriend. Initially, the domestic dispute appeared to be manageable, with Schmalbach suggesting a citation for harassment against Ciccoli. However, hours later, officers were summoned once more, this time for reports of a physical altercation. Divergent accounts emerged from Ciccoli and the woman involved, with claims of physical violence on both sides.

As the confrontation escalated, video evidence presented in court showed Ciccoli resisting arrest, culminating in a struggle during which Fischer is heard asserting that Ciccoli was reaching for his gun. Shortly thereafter, a gunshot was audible, coinciding with Schmalbach deploying a Taser in an attempt to subdue Ciccoli. Detectives later testified that had Fischer not applied a tourniquet to his wound, he could have succumbed to the injury.

In the aftermath of the shooting, Ciccoli expressed confusion and remorse, asking officers what had transpired. Testimony from Dan Cha, a firearms expert, indicated that the configuration of the weapon allowed for it to be fired with deliberate pressure, undermining Ciccoli’s claims of innocence. Officer Fischer also shared the significant ongoing challenges he faces due to his injury, noting persistent pain and concerns about his future in law enforcement.

The trial, which has garnered significant attention due to its serious implications for both Ciccoli and the injured officer, is anticipated to conclude soon. As the legal proceedings continue, the community remains attentive to the unfolding developments in this high-profile case.