Felony charges dropped for third teen in Quakertown protest case

Prosecutors have withdrawn the most serious charges against another teenager involved in the Feb. 20 protest confrontation in Quakertown, marking the third of the so-called “Quakertown 5” to see felony counts dropped.

Defense attorney Timothy Prendergast, according to PhillyBurbs, confirmed that aggravated assault and simple assault charges were dismissed against his 15-year-old client, whose image during the clash with Police Chief Scott McElree circulated widely online. 

The teen still faces misdemeanor and summary charges, including disorderly conduct and simple assault, with a court appearance scheduled for May, the report said.

The case stems from an off-campus student protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement that escalated into a physical altercation in the borough’s downtown. 

Five juveniles were initially charged with offenses related to assaulting police, though defense attorneys have maintained their clients acted in self-defense and did not realize McElree — who was in plain clothes — was a police officer.

Attorneys for multiple defendants have now confirmed similar outcomes, with felony charges withdrawn for at least three of the five teens, while at least one case remains under review. 

Per reports, McElree has said he identified himself during the incident and has defended his actions, including a widely scrutinized moment in which he appeared to place a teen in a chokehold, stating he was attempting to protect her.

The Bucks County District Attorney’s Office continues to investigate the police response to the protest, while McElree remains out on workers’ compensation leave due to injuries sustained during the incident.

Read more here and here.