36-Year-Old Charged With Strangling Student After Sideline Scuffle

A Wayne County high school football player was hospitalized after a spectator allegedly grabbed him by the neck during a game on Oct. 30. The incident has resulted in a felony charge against the woman involved.

Kayla Barrett, 36, from Laurel County, was charged with second-degree strangulation. Monticello Police report the attack occurred during a matchup between Wayne County High School and North Laurel High School. A play that ended out of bounds sparked a physical altercation among players.

Barrett was standing near the sideline when the melee began. According to police, she ran toward the group of athletes. In the chaos, she seized a Wayne County player by the back of the neck, choked him, and shook him. The victim reported difficulty breathing following the incident. He was transported to a hospital, treated, and released. Police indicated he is expected to recover fully.

Assistant Chief Joshua Smith of the Monticello Police Department described the moment of the attack. "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," Smith said.

Barrett left the venue immediately after the scuffle. Smith noted that she drove off quickly, and an officer later identified her. Kentucky State Police arrested Barrett on Tuesday. She has since been released on bond.

Smith expressed concern about spectator access at future events. "Hopefully, she’s not allowed back at a sporting event," he 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."