Quakertown's controversial police chief has returned to work, borough says
Scott McElree took workers' compensation leave after a violent scuffle with high schoolers protesting ICE earlier this year.
Quakertown Borough announced that Scott McElree, the controversial police chief who was involved in a violent scuffle with high schoolers protesting ICE earlier this year, has returned to work after taking workers’ compensation leave.
“As was announced last night at the Council Meeting, Scott McElree has returned to work as the Manager/Chief of Police at reduced hours as he continues to recover from the injuries he suffered on February 20th,” the borough’s solicitor, Peter Nelson, said in a statement Thursday.
Video posted online showed the announcement being made at the council meeting Wednesday night, with some people in the audience expressing their displeasure to the news. “We do not welcome Scott McElree back to work,” someone could be heard saying.
Last month, a panel composed of four members of the Police Chiefs’ Association of Bucks County concluded in a report that McElree’s actions were “justified and within police policy” during the chaotic confrontation, in which the chief briefly wrapped his arm around a teenage girl’s neck. The borough requested the review by the police chiefs.
Five teenagers were charged with aggravated assault, a felony, and related crimes following the altercation. Bucks County prosecutors have withdrawn the felony charges against at least three of the juveniles, their attorneys said.
After video footage of the incident went viral online, McElree, 72, faced calls from residents and others to resign as chief. McElree also serves as the borough’s manager.
