Pottstown, Pennsylvania, December 3, 2025
William Ciccoli Jr. has been sentenced to 22½ to 45 years in prison after being convicted of shooting Pottstown Police Corporal Anthony Fischer during a domestic disturbance. The sentence was handed down by Judge Thomas DelRicci, who criticized Ciccoli for his lack of remorse. The incident occurred when officers responded to a domestic call, and a struggle ensued between Ciccoli and the police, resulting in Corporal Fischer being shot. The officer sustained injuries that have affected his mobility.
Pottstown, Pennsylvania – Man Sentenced to Prison After Shooting Officer During Domestic Dispute
Pottstown, Pennsylvania – William Ciccoli Jr., 43, was sentenced to 22½ to 45 years in state prison on December 2, 2025, after being convicted of shooting Pottstown Police Corporal Anthony Fischer during a domestic disturbance in November 2024. The sentencing took place in Montgomery County Court, where Judge Thomas DelRicci expressed shock at Ciccoli’s “lack of remorse and accountability.”
Details of the Incident
On November 15, 2024, at approximately 4:35 p.m., Corporal Fischer and Officer John Schmalbach responded to a reported domestic disturbance at an apartment on the 200 block of Chestnut Street. Upon arrival, they encountered Ciccoli and his girlfriend, who both resided in the apartment. After separating the individuals and providing domestic violence information to the woman, the officers intended to issue citations to Ciccoli for harassment and criminal mischief. However, later that afternoon, they returned to the same apartment for another disturbance call. During this encounter, Ciccoli became combative and attempted to remove one of the officers’ firearms from its holster. A struggle ensued, during which the firearm discharged, striking Corporal Fischer in the right hip. The officer was transported to Reading Hospital Trauma Center for non-life-threatening injuries.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
In June 2025, a Montgomery County jury convicted Ciccoli of assault on a law enforcement officer and related crimes but acquitted him of attempted murder, determining he did not intend to kill Corporal Fischer. At sentencing, Judge DelRicci criticized Ciccoli’s lack of remorse, stating, “We all saw the video, yet you claim the ‘gun went off.’ It went off because of the defendant’s actions. No other reason.”
Background Information
Corporal Fischer, a veteran officer, sustained injuries that have affected his mobility and caused ongoing pain. District Attorney Kevin Steele emphasized the severity of the case, stating, “This is a guy that’s not taking accountability for his actions. We’re here because of his actions.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was William Ciccoli Jr. convicted of?
William Ciccoli Jr. was convicted of assault on a law enforcement officer and related crimes for shooting Pottstown Police Corporal Anthony Fischer during a domestic disturbance in November 2024. He was acquitted of attempted murder.
What was the sentence handed down to Ciccoli?
Ciccoli was sentenced to 22½ to 45 years in state prison.
What happened during the incident?
During a domestic disturbance call on November 15, 2024, Ciccoli became combative and attempted to remove an officer’s firearm from its holster. A struggle ensued, resulting in the firearm discharging and injuring Corporal Fischer in the right hip.
What was the reaction of the judge during sentencing?
Judge Thomas DelRicci criticized Ciccoli’s lack of remorse, stating, “We all saw the video, yet you claim the ‘gun went off.’ It went off because of the defendant’s actions. No other reason.”
What is the current status of Corporal Fischer?
Corporal Fischer sustained injuries that have affected his mobility and caused ongoing pain.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendant | William Ciccoli Jr., 43 |
| Incident Date | November 15, 2024 |
| Location | 200 block of Chestnut Street, Pottstown, Pennsylvania |
| Victim | Corporal Anthony Fischer |
| Charges | Assault on a law enforcement officer, related crimes; acquitted of attempted murder |
| Sentence | 22½ to 45 years in state prison |
| Judge | Thomas DelRicci |
| District Attorney | Kevin Steele |
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