The young woman arrested at East Towne Mall earlier this week will not face charges. Instead, the 18-year-old, who police said displayed a knife in a confrontation over a stolen cell phone, will receive restorative justice.
There’s been intense interest in Genele Laird’s case after a video of her resisting arrest went viral and prompted protests of excessive force, Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne said.
“I would ask the community to be grateful that despite Ms. Laird’s actions, her victims each made the decision that restorative justice made sense in this case,” Ozanne said.
Stay informed on the latest news
Sign up for WPR’s email newsletter.
Police said Laird spit on them and clawed them while resisting arrest. She also allegedly threatened mall security.
If Laird does not complete the restorative justice program, she will face three felony and three misdemeanor charges.
Wisconsin Public Radio, © Copyright 2025, Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System and Wisconsin Educational Communications Board.
