Woman runs onto high school football field during game and strangles player, police say

WAYNE COUNTY, Ky. (WKYT/WYMT/Gray News) - A Kentucky woman is facing a felony charge after police say she strangled a high school football player during a game.

Kayla Barrett, 36, was charged with second-degree strangulation after Monticello Police say she assaulted a Wayne County High School football player during an Oct. 30 game against North Laurel High School.

Police say a Wayne County player was running with the ball when a tackle that ended out-of-bounds erupted into a melee between players. Barrett, of Laurel County, was standing near the sideline and chose to get involved, according to police.

“From what I understand, she ran toward the action, and 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,” Monticello Assistant Chief Joshua Smith said.

Police say the player who was strangled said he had trouble breathing because of the attack. He was taken to the hospital, where he was treated and released. Police believe he will be OK.

Barrett left the game after the attack, according to police.

“When it all happened, she left. She quickly left the area and drove off,” Smith said. “Our officer was able to get her identified.”

Barrett was arrested last Tuesday by the Kentucky State Police. She has since been released on bond.

“Hopefully, she’s not allowed back at a sporting event,” Smith said. “As far as the police department is concerned, our student-athletes and their protection is one of our biggest areas that we want to make sure they’re always safe.”