Woman arrested after strangling 12-year-old at fall festival

EVANSVILLE, IN — A 33-year-old woman was arrested Friday night after allegedly strangling a 12-year-old girl during an altercation at a Fall Festival in Evansville, Indiana, according to police.

Detectives with the Evansville Police Department were working undercover at the festival when they observed two women arguing.

According to an affidavit, the 12-year-old girl, who was standing in line for a ride, heard the women quarreling about line-cutting.

The girl attempted to defuse the situation by offering her spot to one of the women, Kristin Victoria Burnett, but Burnett reportedly did not hear her.

Police say Burnett then grabbed the girl by the throat, slammed her against a metal fence, and held her there until detectives intervened and pulled her off the child.

During the incident, a man identified as Michael A. Flemming attempted to pull Burnett away from officers and resisted commands even after detectives identified themselves.

According to police, Flemming was eventually detained but tried to resist, injuring one of the officers in the process.

Burnett was arrested and charged with battery on a person under 14, strangulation, and disorderly conduct.

Flemming was also arrested and faces charges including battery against a public safety official, resisting law enforcement causing bodily injury, disorderly conduct, and obstruction of justice.

The 12-year-old girl sustained redness on her neck, small lacerations on her face, and complained of pain, saying she could not feel her nose, police said.