Teen released, days after this controversial video of her arrest in Madison

Teen allegedly displayed knife in East Towne Mall

A black teenager whose arrest at a Madison mall sparked protests alleging excessive use of force and discrimination may not face charges, according to her attorney, Syovata Edari. 

Police said 18-year-old Genele Laird displayed a knife Tuesday at East Towne Mall while confronting a person she thought had stolen her cellphone.

Video shows police kneeing and punching the girl, as she resists arrest.

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In the mall, she allegedly threatened security staff.

Two officers were treated for injuries. The girl spit in one officer’s eye, while another was put on workman’s compensation leave for back spasms related to the apprehension.

Reports are that Laird was released from jail Thursday evening under orders from Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne. 

A press conference is being held Friday afternoon on the matter.