COATESVILLE, PA — Chester County District Attorney’s Office announced the arrest of Michael White, 20, of Manheim, PA, for stabbing Coatesville Police Officer William Cahill at a Turkey Hill in Coatesville on September 3, 2021. Cahill and his partner were responding to the report of a theft by an employee when the defendant attacked him with a knife. Cahill, a 35-year veteran law enforcement officer, suffered multiple stab wounds to his head and face. He was transported to Reading Hospital, underwent surgery, and is expected to be released today.
The District Attorney’s Office reports that White is charged with attempted criminal homicide of a law enforcement officer, attempted first-degree murder, aggravated assault and related offenses. He was is being held without bail at Chester County Prison. His prelim hearing is September 15, 2021.
“Yesterday was a harsh reality check of just how scary and dangerous the job of law enforcement is,” said DA Deb Ryan. “It is imperative that we never take for granted the sacrifice law enforcement makes for the safety and protection of others. Every one of them is a true hero, especially today, Officer Cahill. We are all extremely grateful that Officer Cahill is on his way to making a speedy recovery and for the quick response of law enforcement. This was another example of outstanding teamwork where Coatesville City Police, East Fallowfield, West Brandywine, Sadsbury, Caln and West Caln police departments, and the Chester County Detectives moved rapidly to secure everyone’s safety and stop further violence. Chester County is fortunate to have some of the best police anywhere in the world.”
Coatesville Police Chief Jack Laufer said, “It’s an indescribable feeling to get a call that one of your officers is down. The entire Coatesville City Police Department is thankful to the first-responders and the staff at Reading Hospital for putting our friend and colleague on the path to recovery.”
Following are the allegations:
On September 3, 2021, Coatesville City Police responded to the Turkey Hill on Kings Hwy., Coatesville, for the report of theft by the defendant, an employee. Officer Cahill and his partner met with the defendant in an office inside the store.
Investigators learned the defendant told the police that he had stolen $3k from the register over the past several months. That day he was confronted by a store manager after stealing another $200.
The defendant told officers that he would return the money he had just stolen, along with the $3k that he had in a safe at his home. Officers told him he was free to leave to retrieve the money.
After Officer Cahill shook the defendant’s hand, the defendant shoved him and stabbed him in the head and face with a knife. The defendant was immediately taken into custody. Officer Cahill was transported to Brandywine Hospital and then transferred to Reading Hospital, where he is expected to make a full recovery.
Chester County Detectives are investigating. Chief of Staff Andrea Cardamone is the prosecutor.
If you have any information about this crime, contact Detective Dave Nieves at 610-344-4605.
Information is subject to change at any time. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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