Bucks County DA launches investigation into Quakertown PD protest response

The Bucks County District Attorney’s Office is opening an independent investigation into how police handled the Quakertown student walkout, a spokesperson announced on Feb. 21.

The Saturday announcement came an hour after an early morning press conference with community advocates and the parents of Quakertown High School students arrested during clashes between police and students during an ICE protest in the borough in Upper Bucks County.

“Our office is conducting an independent investigation into the police response during this incident,” a DA spokesperson wrote.

Quakertown Borough Police Department and DA spokesperson did not immediately return requests for more information or comment on Saturday morning. This story will be updated if either responds.

This news organization previously identified through photos, videos and eyewitness identifications a plainclothes man seen charging into a crowd of students as Quakertown Borough Police Chief Scott McElree. The chief has not responded to requests for comment.

A student is seen on videos tussling with McElree and hitting him with his cellphone. Others in the crowd also join in the scuffle. In the chaos, some people had no idea who the man was, a student told this news organization, and started defending themselves against the unknown attacker.

The district attorney is requesting help from the public in its investigation.

“To ensure a thorough and transparent review, we are seeking the community’s assistance and encourage anyone with information, including video footage or photos, to contact the Bucks County Detectives,” the spokesperson wrote.

The press release directed the public to call the detectives at 215-348-6354.

In a statement Quakertown police said officers had repeatedly warned some of the protesters to stay out of traffic and to stop damaging cars. “Additional officers were called to the scene when confrontations escalated, and some individuals assaulted officers,” Quakertown Police said in a statement Friday night.

This story will be updated.

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Quakertown Police under investigation for ICE protest response

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

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