Inset: Kayla Barrett (Laurel County Detention Center). Background: The high school field where Barrett allegedly attacked a player during a football game (WKYT).
A 36-year-old woman in Kentucky was arrested after she allegedly strangled and “violently shook” a high school football player during an in-game incident that resulted in officials canceling the game.
Kayla Barrett was taken into custody by state police and charged with one count of felony second-degree strangulation, court records show.
According to a press release from the Monticello Police Department, the investigation into Barrett began when officers responded to the Wayne County emergency room for a reported assault. At the hospital, a Wayne County football player was being evaluated for injuries suffered during a game against North Laurel.
Investigators allegedly determined that the player had been “strangled from behind by a female spectator during the game.”
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With assistance from the Kentucky State Police, investigators identified the suspect as Kayla Barrett. A criminal complaint was filed in Wayne District Court and an arrest warrant was issued, police said.
Kentucky State Police arrested Barrett on Nov. 3. She was transported to the Laurel County Detention Center for processing.
The Lexington Herald-Leader reported that Barrett was released from jail on the condition that she not attend “any school sporting events in this commonwealth.”
An arrest warrant obtained by the newspaper reportedly alleges that Barrett placed her hands around the neck of the victim, who is a minor, and “violently shook him by the neck in an attempt to obstruct his airway.”
“The assault was witnessed by several individuals,” police reportedly wrote. “Additionally, video footage obtained by the North Laurel football program showed Barrett in the vicinity of where the alleged strangulation occurred.”
According to a report from 13th Region Media Network, with 6:34 remaining in the third quarter, players got into a scuffle in front of the North Laurel sideline. That led to fans from both sides coming onto the field, and officials ended the game.
North Laurel, which was up 21 to 12 at the time, was awarded the victory.
In a statement, the Monticello Police Department thanked state police for their assistance in the investigation.
“The Monticello Police Department would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the Kentucky State Police for their cooperation, assistance, and support throughout this investigation,” the department said.
Police also emphasized the importance of keeping school sporting events safe for players and others in attendance.
“The safety of our student-athletes and community will always remain a priority. High school athletics should be an environment where student-athletes can compete safely, without fear of violence or intimidation. While emotions can run high during competitive sporting events, there is absolutely no justification for physical violence against players, coaches, officials, or spectators,” the department said.
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