Police Chief’s Attempted Arrest Sparks Outcry in Quakertown
Last week, a confrontation occurred when a police chief, in plain clothes, attempted to arrest a high school girl during a protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Many residents in Quakertown Borough, Pennsylvania, are now calling for the police chief’s resignation.
The Bucks County Courier-Times provided details about the incident, including a probable cause affidavit that described the events leading up to the arrests of five students from Quakertown High School.
Witnesses reported confusion when the police chief approached, as he wasn’t in uniform. “Everyone was confused because no one realized it was a police officer. He was wearing normal clothes. We were just like, ‘Why would that guy attack us?'” one student recalled.
Approximately 35 students participated in the protest, according to the Courier-Times. Local police observed from a distance and helped manage traffic as the students marched toward the downtown area.
The affidavit details allegations that, early in the protest, police saw demonstrators blocking the road and a girl kicking a pickup truck while also hitting its side mirror. Officers reportedly asked the protesters to respect public property and keep the sidewalks clear.
According to the police, the situation escalated when the students began throwing snowballs at vehicles and caused property damage by tearing off side mirrors. The police statement mentioned further assistance being called as the confrontation intensified and students allegedly assaulted officers.
However, protesters countered that some motorists chased them while revving engines and shouting insults. Eyewitness accounts suggested the students continued to march while hurling obscenities at both police and passersby.
Officers warned a 15-year-old girl multiple times to stay on the sidewalk as she blocked traffic. The document states that the police chief then attempted to physically restrain her, leading to a chaotic scene where other students intervened.
As the situation escalated, the police chief, Scott McCarey, 72, along with another officer, tried to make an arrest, resulting in a physical altercation. The affidavit claims multiple teenagers surrounded him, leading to a broader fight involving punches and chaos on the ground.
Various witnesses reported seeing students attacking officers, while others participated in the fracas, leading to the arrest of five students who were later sent to juvenile detention. While some were released shortly after, the status of the others remained unclear.
McCarey was treated for injuries at a local hospital, reportedly leaving with blood on his face. Nonetheless, a video captured him stating he was “fine” amid the turmoil.
The incident has sparked significant backlash, especially since the chief was not in uniform and did not identify himself as a police officer. Some locals voiced concerns at a borough council meeting, demanding McCarey’s resignation.
A senior from the high school commented on the chaos, expressing confusion over why an unmarked police officer would engage with them. An attorney representing one of the arrested students stated that their client denied any altercation with law enforcement.
The ACLU of Pennsylvania noted that the police response incited violence rather than ensuring a safe demonstration. They emphasized that policing should aim to facilitate rather than disrupt peaceful protests.
