PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A review conducted by four Bucks County police chiefs determined that police were justified in using force against high school students at an anti-ICE protest in Quakertown back in February. Five teens were arrested that day.
The report by the Police Chiefs Association of Bucks County said the protest quickly turned unruly, unlawful, and placed lives at risk.
Quakertown Police Chief Scott McElree arrived in an unmarked police car with emergency lights activated, but he was wearing street clothes. He tried to arrest a protester but was attacked and suffered broken ribs. The incident was shared on social media.
The teens claimed he never identified himself, and they didn’t realize he was a cop.
McElree was placed on paid leave.
The report says going forward, the Quakertown police chief should at least have a badge to identify himself. It also calls for police to wear body cameras during events like a protest.
The Quakertown borough solicitor said it is still waiting for the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office to finish its investigation, but the most serious charges have already been dropped against two of the teens.
Video of February protest shows plainclothes police chief restraining students
Video of February protest shows plainclothes police chief restraining students
