A 36-year-old Laurel County woman is facing a felony charge after police say she ran onto a high school football field in Wayne County, Kentucky, grabbed a player by the back of the neck, and shook him so violently that he struggled to breathe. Kayla Barrett was arrested days after the Oct. 30 game between Wayne County High School and North Laurel High School, and an arrest warrant now details exactly what investigators say happened on the sideline that night.
According to WWNY, a Wayne County player was running with the ball when a tackle carried the play out of bounds near where Barrett was standing. Police say players became involved in a melee at that point, and Barrett joined in. Monticello Assistant Chief Joshua Smith said Barrett grabbed a Wayne County athlete by the back of the neck and choked and shook him.
A newly surfaced arrest warrant, reported by Fox 56, alleges Barrett “put both her hands on the back of the victim's neck and violently shook the student-athlete, causing him to struggle for air.” The same warrant states the assault had multiple witnesses and had been captured on video.
Video and Witnesses Point to Barrett's Location
Investigators said footage obtained from the North Laurel football program allegedly showed Barrett in the vicinity of where the alleged strangulation occurred, according to the same account. Police say the injured player reported having trouble breathing after the attack and was taken to a hospital, where he was treated and released. Separately, the player was reportedly taken to Wayne County Hospital for medical evaluation, though authorities have not released his current condition, per the Fox 56 report.
Police say Barrett left the game quickly after the attack and drove away. Smith said Barrett left quickly and drove away from the scene before a Monticello police officer later identified her. Police believe the player will be ok.
Arrest, Charge and Upcoming Court Date
Kayla Barrett was arrested by Kentucky state police days after the game and was charged by Monticello police with second-degree strangulation, a felony charge. Under Kentucky law, strangulation in the second degree is classified as a Class D felony, according to the Kentucky General Assembly. Barrett was released on bond following her arrest.
Per the warrant details reported by Fox 56, Barrett is due in court at 9 a.m. on Dec. 7, and the strangulation investigation remains ongoing. Smith said he hopes Barrett will not be allowed back at a sporting event, adding that the Monticello Police Department prioritizes protecting student-athletes and keeping them safe.
