Quakertown police chief is on leave, as the Bucks County DA’s office continues its investigation
It is unclear who will oversee the police department and borough management.
Quakertown Police Chief Scott McElree, a center of controversy for his role in a confrontation with anti-ICE protesters last week, has been placed on leave.
In response to a request for comment, McElree said Saturday he is “out with workman’s comp injuries.” He did not elaborate on what the injuries entailed.
On Friday, the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office said it was continuing its investigation into the Feb. 20 incident that resulted in the arrest of five teenagers on assault charges.
Quakertown’s solicitor said that McElree, who also is the borough manager, was placed on workers’ compensation leave for both positions, according to NBC10 and the Bucks County Courier Times. Efforts to reach other borough officials for comment were unsuccessful.
McElree, 72, has held his unusual dual role since 2007.
McElree had no record of alleged police abuses before the incident on Feb. 20, when bystander footage showed him apparently putting a teenage girl in a chokehold on a sidewalk as other youths scuffled with him.
The teens were among 35 Quakertown Community High School students who walked out of class to protest Immigration and Customs Enforcement activities.
Videos show McElree arriving at the protest, not in uniform, and confronting a group of students. In the footage, teenagers appear to strike McElree as he attempts to grab a student.
Police said the students were entering traffic and damaging property.
A GoFundMe campaign was created to raise money for the arrested students’ legal fees, court costs, and medical and other expenses. So far, over $130,000 has been donated.
During a Thursday night board meeting, angry school parents pressed for consequences for both the Quakertown Community School District and McElree.
On Friday, the district attorney’s office encouraged anyone with cell phone footage or photos of the incident to come forward and contact county detectives.
It was unclear who would assume McElree’s duties as chief and borough manager.
Staff writer Brett Sholtis contributed to this article.