Woman is Expected to Not be Charged in Incident at Madison Mall that Went Viral

MADISON, Wis. (CHANNEL 3000) -

The attorney representing a woman arrested outside East Towne Mall on Tuesday night said she expects no charges to be filed in the case.

Syovata Edari is representing 18-year-old Genele Laird, whose arrest was filmed by onlookers and has gone viral. Laird had been facing potential charges of disorderly conduct while armed with a knife, resisting police causing injury, battery to a police officer and discharge of bodily fluid. 

Edari said she expects the four felony charges recommended by Madison police will not to be pursued by the Dane County District Attorney, who will have an update on the case in a 2 p.m. news conference Friday.

Laird was arrested Tuesday at East Towne Mall. Police said she resisted arrest after displaying a weapon and making threats.

Police Chief Mike Koval said her behavior made the use of force seen in the video necessary. Koval will attend the 2 p.m. news conference as well.

Stay tuned to News 3 and Channel3000.com for more information.

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