Kentucky woman arrested after strangling high school football player on field
Police charged Kayla Barrett with second-degree strangulation following an incident during a Wayne County game in late October.
By Bianca Herrera ·
A 36-year-old woman was arrested in Kentucky after police say she violently strangled a high school football player during a game last month. Kayla Barrett was taken into custody by state police on Tuesday. She faces a charge of second-degree strangulation.
The incident occurred on Oct. 30 during the third quarter of a matchup between Wayne County and the North Laurel High School Jaguars. With the Jaguars leading 21-12 and less than seven minutes remaining, spectators from both teams rushed the field. Officials had to separate the two groups to stop the scuffle.
Monticello Assistant Chief Joshua Smith told WYMT that Barrett ran toward the crowd. He said she grabbed a Wayne County athlete by the back of the neck. She then choked and shook him. An arrest warrant stated that she shook the player by the neck to obstruct his airway. The assault was seen by several people. Video footage from the North Laurel football program showed Barrett near the site of the attack.
The player, who is a minor and was not identified, had trouble breathing after the attack. He was rushed to a hospital for evaluation. Barrett was booked into the Laurel County Detention Center. She was later released with a condition that she not attend any school sporting events in the state.
The game ended early and was ruled a win for the Jaguars. Monticello Police said student-athletes should compete without fear of violence or intimidation. They noted that high emotions during games do not justify physical violence against players, coaches, or officials.
North Laurel coach Steven Nelson said the team played well for three quarters. He expressed disappointment in how the game ended. Nelson said the team must control its emotions and prepare for the playoffs.
Barrett was charged with second-degree strangulation. She was released from the Laurel County Detention Center. The Wayne County player was transported to a hospital for evaluation after the incident on Oct. 30.
