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New Video Surfaces In Controversial Arrest At Movie Theater

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NORTH VERSAILLES (KDKA) -- New video has surfaced of a controversial arrest made outside of a movie theater in North Versailles.

KDKA first reported the story last week after video of the arrest went viral.

The video shows Melanie Carter, of Wilkinsburg, being taken into custody by an off-duty police officer who was working security that night.

Carter was upset with the way the officer was treating a group of teenage girls, so she started filming with her camera. Police say Officer Christopher Kelly removed three girls from the theater for disorderly conduct and causing a disturbance.

Carter became upset with how the girls were being treated and was approached by a theater manager who was only identified as "Jason" in a criminal complaint.

Carter: "They called our children animals."
Jason: "Yeah, because they're behaving like an animal."

The theater's manager asked Carter to leave, and when she refused, she says Officer Kelly tackled her to the ground.

The district attorney says the recording of the actions of Officer Kelly in a public setting is not considered criminal. However, the arrest does raise concerns.

Carter is facing four charges, including resisting arrest, failure to disperse, disorderly conduct and defiant trespass. She faces a preliminary hearing next month.

North Versailles Police initially didn't have a comment following the incident. Now, the chief is speaking out.  He said his department has obtained all the video they believe is out there from this incident, and the matter is currently under review.  He went on to say that he's not commenting on the personnel portion of the case at this time.

Meanwhile, the theater has since fired the manager.

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