Teen assault charges dropped, investigation continues into police chief's conduct

A 15-year-old girl had her felony assault charges withdrawn related to an altercation with Quakertown Police Chief Scott McElree during a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement protest in February, according to her attorney.

Mcelree's identification sparks investigation

Ed Angelo, the attorney representing the teenager, stated prosecutors lacked sufficient evidence to support the charges, which included felony aggravated assault and misdemeanor simple assault. Despite the dropped felony counts, the girl still faces three other misdemeanors: resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, and obstructing the roadway.

Angelo indicated he is preparing for her upcoming juvenile trial, set to begin April 14. This development comes after last month's decision to release the five arrested Quakertown teenagers from house arrest, with the exception of one who accepted a plea deal.

The Bucks County District Attorney's office remains tight-lipped about juvenile cases, refusing to comment on the matter. The DA is, however, investigating the police response to the student protest on February 20, when roughly 40 students walked out of Quakertown Community High School to protest ICE. The protest turned physical after a man later identified as McElree stormed into the crowd, sparking a confrontation.

Attorney Don Souders, who represented one of the arrested students, questioned the police chief's actions, stating that McElree's failure to identify himself contributed to the escalation of the situation.