A Kentucky woman was arrested after allegedly rushing onto a high school football field with other spectators and “violently” choking a young player amid the chaos.
Kayla Barrett, 36, allegedly attacked a Wayne County football player during the third quarter of the team’s Oct. 30 game against the North Laurel High School Jaguars, according to the Monticello Police Department.
According to an arrest warrant cited by the Kentucky New Era, Barrett “violently shook him by the neck in an attempt to obstruct his airway.”
“The assault was witnessed by several individuals,” the warrant stated. “Additionally, video footage obtained by the North Laurel football program showed Barrett in the vicinity of where the alleged strangulation occurred.”
The unidentified player, who is a minor, reportedly had trouble breathing after the alleged attack and was taken to a hospital for evaluation.
Kentucky State Police arrested Barrett on Tuesday and charged her with second-degree strangulation, authorities said.
She was booked at the Laurel County Detention Center and later released on the condition that she not attend “any school sporting events in this commonwealth,” according to the outlet.
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With the Jaguars leading 21-12 and less than seven minutes left in the third quarter, spectators from both teams ran onto the field and had to be separated, according to the 13th Region Media Network.
“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,” Monticello Assistant Chief Joshua Smith told WYMT.
The game was stopped early and ultimately declared a victory for the Jaguars.
“High school athletics should be an environment where student-athletes can compete safely, without fear of violence or intimidation,” the police department said.
“While emotions can run high during competitive sporting events, there is absolutely no justification for physical violence against players, coaches, officials, or spectators.”
North Laurel Jaguars coach Steven Nelson said his team “played a good, physical game for about three quarters” but was “disappointed in the way it ended.”
“We have to do better on our end keeping emotions in check and playing the game the right way. Put it behind us and get ready for the playoffs. Go Jags,” Nelson said.
