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Felony Counts Dropped for One Quakertown Teen as DA Probes Police Response

Juvenile-court proceedings for the remaining students continue under limited public disclosure.

Overview

  • A 16-year-old accepted a diversion agreement that dismisses felony charges and could expunge two misdemeanors after six months of probation, community service, and counseling.
  • Attorneys said all five students are no longer on house arrest and ankle monitors have been removed following Friday’s hearings.
  • Hearings for four students were continued, with the next court date set for April 14 as lawyers review evidence and discuss potential resolutions.
  • Bystander video shows Police Chief Scott McElree, in plainclothes, restraining a 15-year-old by the neck during the Feb. 20 confrontation, and students’ lawyers argue they acted in self-defense because they did not know he was an officer.
  • The Bucks County District Attorney’s Office is investigating the police response captured on video, and McElree remains on workers’ compensation leave from his roles as police chief and borough manager.