A 33-year-old woman is accused of ruining a festival atmosphere by allegedly strangling a 12-year-old girl during a dispute over cutting in line.
Just before 8 p.m. on Friday, an incident occurred during the West Side Nut Club Fall Festival in Evansville, Indiana. During the event, police detectives on security duty observed a confrontation arise between Kristin Burnett and another woman. Burnett reportedly expressed frustration after another individual bypassed her in line for a ride, according to a probable cause arrest affidavit from law enforcement.
Amid the disagreement, a young girl of 12 standing before the women took it upon herself to mediate and graciously offered her place in line. Believing Burnett was unaware of her presence, she moved towards the defendant in a“non-threatening manner”, according to the affidavit.
“I observed Burnett grab [the victim] by the throat and forcibly push her against the gate of an amusement ride,” a detective wrote.
Three officers rushed to Burnett to intervene and separate her from the girl. According to the affidavit, a man named Michael A. Flemming Jr. intervened by restraining Burnett from the officers attempting to apprehend her. The investigator displayed his badge to Burnett and Flemming, signaling his authority as a law enforcement officer.
Following the apprehension of both individuals, detectives conducted an interview with the victim. According to the affidavit, she informed the police that Burnett purportedly seized her throat, leading to a restriction in her breathing. She was unable to sense her nose as well. Four additional witnesses supported the victim’s account and validated what the detectives had observed, according to police reports.
Authorities transported Burnett to the Vanderburgh County Jail facing allegations of assaulting a minor and engaging in disorderly behavior. She has been released on bail. The upcoming court session is set for Wednesday.
Flemming lashed out at police officers attempting to apprehend him, resulting in a bleeding knee for one of the officers. According to reports from an Evansville NBC affiliate, he faces charges including battery against a public safety official, resisting law enforcement resulting in bodily injury, and obstruction of justice.