Kentucky woman charged with felony after strangling teen on football field
Police say a spectator ran onto the field during a tackle dispute and grabbed a player by the neck before fleeing the scene.
By Ella Cox ·
Kayla Barrett, 36, was arrested last Tuesday by the Kentucky State Police and has since been released on bond. She faces a felony charge of second-degree strangulation for an incident that occurred during a high school football game on Oct. 30.
The assault happened during a Wayne County High School match against North Laurel High School in Monticello, Ky. Police report that a Wayne County player was running with the ball when a tackle that ended out of bounds sparked a melee among athletes.
Barrett, who resides in Laurel County, was standing near the sideline when she moved into the scuffle. Monticello Assistant Chief Joshua Smith described the moment she ran toward the action.
“From what I understand, she ran toward the action, and somewhere in that scuffle, she grabbed one of the Wayne County athletes by the back of the neck and began choking him and shaking him,” Smith said.
The player reported difficulty breathing following the attack. He was transported to a hospital, treated, and released. Police believe he will recover fully. Barrett left the game shortly after the incident and drove away from the area.
“When it all happened, she left. She quickly left the area and drove off,” Smith said. “Our officer was able to get her identified.” Smith added that the department prioritizes the safety of student-athletes and hopes Barrett will not return to sporting events in the future.
