A Kentucky woman has been arrested by police after storming into the middle of a high school football game and ‘violently’ strangling one of the young players.
Kayla Barrett, 36, is alleged to have attacked an unnamed player on the Wayne County football team during their game against North Laurel High School on October 30.
According to a Monticello Police Department arrest warrant, Barrett ‘violently shook him by the neck in an attempt to obstruct the airway.’
The player, who is a minor, was rushed to the hospital for evaluation after having difficulties breathing, the report added.
No action was taken against Barrett on the night of the game, but following the investigation a criminal complaint was filed in Wayne District Court and an arrest warrant was issued.
On November 3, the woman was arrested by the Kentucky State Police and subsequently charged with Strangulation 2nd Degree, before being taken to the Laurel County Detention Center.
Kayla Barrett poses for her mugshot after being arrested for alleged strangulation on Oct 30
The incident is alleged to have occurred during a game at Wayne County High in Kentucky
The warrant claimed: ‘The assault was witnessed by several individuals. Additionally, video footage obtained by the North Laurel football program showed Barrett in the vicinity of where the alleged strangulation occurred.’
The exact reason for the woman’s alleged meltdown is unclear, but it occurred midway through the third quarter with the North Laurel Jaguars leading 21-12.
Spectators from both sides of the field stormed the playing field and had to be separated, according to multiple local media reports.
‘From what I understand, she [Barrett] ran toward the action,’ Monticello Assistant Chief Joshua Smith told WYMT.
‘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.’
After the melee, the game was cut short and the Jaguars were awarded the win without the fourth quarter being played.
