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Judge Keeps Quakertown Teen’s Case Alive After Borough Backs Police Chief Over Protest Clash

The case now tests the borough’s defense of its chief with a county probe still open.

Overview

  • A Bucks County judge denied a request to dismiss charges against a 15-year-old arrested during February’s student protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, setting up a possible June trial.
  • Prosecutors dropped the aggravated assault count tied to an alleged strike on Chief Scott McElree, leaving misdemeanors for resisting arrest and disorderly conduct plus a summary offense for obstructing traffic.
  • Four other teenagers arrested that day have reached agreements with the district attorney’s office, according to people familiar with the cases who were not authorized to speak publicly.
  • Quakertown Borough released a report that disputes claims McElree used a chokehold, says he suffered fractured ribs and a concussion, and announces no discipline for him or other officers.
  • The Bucks County District Attorney’s investigation into police actions continues, as defense lawyers accuse the borough of a cover-up and point to images they say match a chokehold training hold.