Woman accused of strangling high school football player during game

Kayla Barrett, of East Bernstadt, Kentucky, was charged with second-degree strangulation after allegedly attacking a high school football player during a game, according to Monticello police. (Credit: Laurel County Correctional Center)

The Details

The Brief

Kayla Barrett allegedly strangled a high school football player during a game, police said.

Investigators said the Wayne County player was evaluated for injuries at an emergency room.

Barrett was arrested Nov. 3 and charged with second-degree strangulation.

WAYNE COUNTY, Ky. — A Kentucky woman was arrested after allegedly strangling a high school football player from behind during a game, according to the Monticello Police Department.

Dig deeper

Kayla Barrett, of East Bernstadt, was arrested Nov. 3 by Kentucky State Police and charged with second-degree strangulation, police said. She was taken to the Laurel County Detention Center.

What we know

The investigation began Oct. 30, when Monticello police were called to the Wayne County Emergency Room for a reported assault during the Wayne County vs. North Laurel football game. A Wayne County player was being evaluated for injuries sustained in the incident.

Police said an investigation determined that a female spectator had allegedly strangled the player from behind during the game. Investigators identified Barrett as the suspect with assistance from Kentucky State Police.

A criminal complaint was filed in Wayne District Court, and an arrest warrant was issued, according to the department.

What we don't know

Police did not identify the player or provide details about the extent of the injuries or what led to the alleged assault.

What they're saying

"High school athletics should be an environment where student-athletes can compete safely, without fear of violence or intimidation," the department said in its Facebook post.

The Source

The information in this story came from a Facebook post by the Monticello Police Department detailing the alleged assault, the investigation and Kayla Barrett’s arrest with assistance from Kentucky State Police. This story was reported from Los Angeles.