NEW HAVEN — An attorney for a prominent lawyer arrested after police said he brought a loaded handgun to a Connecticut movie theater showing "The Dark Knight Rises" says he had a legal right to carry the weapon.

Hugh Keefe called the arrest of 46-year-old Sung H. Hwang baseless and said it was his understanding police were not going to arrest Hwang once they realized he had a gun permit, but New Haven Chief Dean M. Esserman ordered the arrest.

Esserman denied the claim and praised the officers who responded.

Hwang was charged with breach of peace and interfering with police after officers said they found a handgun in his waistband.

Police say Hwang refused officers' orders to put his hands up and remained in his seat, using his cell phone.