WEST CHESTER, PA — Judge Patrick Carmody sentenced Michael White, 22, of Manheim, PA, to 16-32 years in a state correctional facility for stabbing Coatesville City Police Officer William Cahill at a Turkey Hill in Coatesville on September 3, 2021, Chester County District Attorney Deb Ryan announced yesterday. Cahill and his partner were there in response to a report of a theft by the defendant 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 where he underwent surgery.
“This was a violent and unprovoked attack on police where Officer Cahill almost died. Officer Cahill modeled exemplary professionalism and respect to the defendant during this theft investigation and, in return, was brutally assaulted to the point that he will have life-altering repercussions,” Ryan. Law enforcement make the ultimate sacrifice to put their lives on the line to protect others before themselves. We are so thankful Officer Cahill is still here with us today, and grateful to all the law enforcement agencies and good Samaritans who stepped up to help save his life.”
Coatesville City Police Chief Jack Laufer stated, “Each day a law enforcement officer leaves for work there is no guarantee that he or she will return home. Our families and loved ones shoulder that burden for us as well. Officer Cahill was an exceptional police officer who served the community above self, and as a result of this horrible assault had to leave a career that defined him. Thankfully, many came to his rescue that day and saved his life.”
According to evidence presented at court, on September 3, 2021, Coatesville City Police responded to the Turkey Hill on Kings Highway, 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.
The defendant confessed to 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 multiple times. The defendant was immediately taken into custody. Officer Cahill was transported to Brandywine Hospital and then transferred to Reading Hospital. He had multiple surgeries, sustained permanent nerve damage, and has extensive physical therapy. He had to leave law enforcement as a result of his injuries.
Chief of Staff Andrea Cardamone prosecuted this case. Chester County Detectives, Coatesville City Police, East Fallowfield PD, West Brandywine PD, Sadsbury PD, Caln PD, and West Caln PD are all credited with the investigation which led to the successful prosecution of White.
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