Quakertown police chief Scott McElree cleared of criminal charges after student protest investigation

The Bucks County District Attorney’s Office completed a 20‑page investigation into the February 20, 2026 protest by Quakertown Community High School students against Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The protest turned violent, injuring four students, three officers and the police chief, Scott McElree, who entered the crowd without a uniform, badge or body camera.

The DA’s report criticized Chief McElree’s “calamitous” decision to charge the crowd, noting a lack of proper coordination and use‑of‑force policies, but found no evidence to support criminal charges against him, other officers, or the teenagers involved. Most serious charges against the five arrested teens were dismissed and their cases will be expunged. The report urges the Quakertown Police Department to adopt countywide use‑of‑force reforms.

The findings aim to restore community trust while highlighting the need for clearer police procedures during public demonstrations.