Woman accused of strangling high school football player during game

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.