A Kentucky woman faces criminal charges after allegedly attacking a high school football player during a game in Monticello.
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Kayla Barrett, 36, allegedly strangled a Wayne County player from behind during a game against North Laurel on October 30.
Authorities arrested Barrett on Tuesday, November 3, and transported her to the Laurel County Detention Center.
She faces a charge of second-degree strangulation and secured her release the following day after posting a $5,000 cash bond.
Woman Arrested After Allegedly Strangling High School Football Player
The teenage football player received medical attention at Wayne County Emergency Room, where doctors evaluated his injuries following the alleged attack.
"High school athletics should be an environment where student-athletes can compete safely, without fear of violence or intimidation," the Monticello Police Department said in a statement following the incident.
"While emotions can run high during competitive sporting events, there is absolutely no justification for physical violence against players, coaches, officials, or spectators."
Following the incident, local police officers responded to the emergency room and launched an investigation.
K-9 Officer Bertram led the initial investigation, with Kentucky State Police providing additional assistance.
Investigators subsequently identified Barrett, a resident of East Bernstadt, Kentucky, as a suspect.
Police Issue Statement Following Kentucky Football Incident
Following the investigation, authorities filed a criminal complaint in Wayne District Court, which led to an arrest warrant for Barrett.
Officers subsequently took the 36-year-old into custody on November 3.
"The Monticello Police Department would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the Kentucky State Police for their cooperation, assistance, and support throughout this investigation," a statement added.
"The safety of our student-athletes and community will always remain a priority."
The incident follows another disturbing confrontation at a youth football game in Florida on October 20, which resulted in the arrests of a father and his teenage daughter.
During the flag football game, a 16-year-old girl allegedly grabbed 15-year-old Sophia Lopez by her hair and pulled her to the ground.
Multiple eyewitnesses identified the teenager as the alleged attacker.
Her father and coach, Brandon Mayer, 37, subsequently intervened and allegedly placed Lopez in a chokehold for approximately 15 seconds.
According to the referee, Mayer used a "choking mechanism" on the opposing player.
Authorities later arrested Mayer on a felony charge of Battery by Strangulation. He entered custody before securing his release the following afternoon on a $75,000 bond.
Police also charged his 16-year-old daughter with simple battery.
