Scott McElree Seen in Altercation With Student as Probe Opens Into Protest Clash in Quakertown [VIDEO]

Authorities have opened an investigation after video footage appeared to show Scott McElree involved in a physical confrontation with a female student during a protest involving students from Quakertown Community High School.

Police say about 35 students walked out of class around 11:30 a.m. on Feb. 20 to protest federal immigration enforcement actions linked to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, despite school officials canceling the demonstration earlier that morning over safety concerns.

According to a statement from local authorities in Upper Bucks County, officers responded after students allegedly walked into roadways, kicked vehicles, threw snowballs, damaged property, and assaulted officers. Police said the group gathered near 5th and Broad streets before moving through town, eventually blocking traffic at another intersection.

At least five or six teenagers and one adult were arrested, though officials have not yet announced formal charges and say additional arrests are possible.

Videos circulating online show tense confrontations between police and students. In one clip, a plainclothes man identified by sources as McElree appears to grab a teenage girl by the neck and take her to the ground. Students claim they did not realize he was an officer and believed he was a civilian who began striking protesters.

Several students disputed the police version of events, saying the demonstration was peaceful until officers intervened.

Dr. Lisa Hoffman, acting superintendent of the school district, said administrators learned of potential safety risks tied to the planned protest the day before and notified families early Friday morning that students should not participate. Schools were placed on lockdown until about 1:15 p.m. while the situation unfolded.

The Bucks County District Attorney’s Office announced it has launched an independent investigation into the police response and is asking anyone with photos or video to come forward.

Officials say the inquiry is ongoing, and no final conclusions have been released.