Quakertown police chief on leave as altercation during student anti-ICE protest is investigated
Quakertown Police Chief Scott McElree has been placed on workers' compensation leave as an investigation continues into a violent confrontation that followed a student anti-ICE walkout, Quakertown Borough Solicitor Peter Nelson confirmed to CBS News Philadelphia Friday night.
Earlier in the day, supporters gathered in Doylestown to support the "Quakertown 5," the students who were arrested following a student anti-ICE walkout that ended in a violent confrontation. Many supporters held signs and chanted, and cars beeped as they passed.
"Because I think it's important to just show up," Jan Fitzpatrick of Doylestown said.
Video on social media shows the Quakertown police chief, who was not in uniform, putting a student in a chokehold.
CBS News Philadelphia spoke to a student and his father. The student says he was at the initial protest and says he is grateful to see all of the support.
"It makes me very happy, so many people in the community are willing to show us support with everything that happened," Colin Hancock said.
Thursday night, concerned parents and community members demanded answers, transparency and accountability from the Quakertown School District at a board meeting.
"We are here. We support these kids. That we support these families," Lolly Hopwood, an activist, said.
As the Bucks County District Attorney's Office says it is continuing its independent investigation, people in Doylestown say they want their neighbors in Quakertown to know they are supporting them.
"I am really proud that people are willing to come out and speak up for what they believe in," Nick Maio, an organizer, said.
Nelson, the borough solicitor, said Assistant Manager Doug Propst is overseeing things at the borough in McElree's absence. Lt. Josh Mallery, who is second in command at the police department, is in charge during McElree's leave.
