A 33-year-old woman, Kristin Burnett, was arrested after allegedly choking a 12-year-old girl during a dispute over line-cutting at a festival in Evansville, Indiana. The incident occurred around 8 p.m. on Friday at the West Side Nut Club Fall Festival. Police officers, who were providing security at the event, witnessed the altercation between Burnett and another woman.
The disagreement began when Burnett became upset over someone cutting in line for an amusement ride, according to a probable cause arrest affidavit. During the argument, a 12-year-old girl attempted to mediate the situation by offering her spot in the line to Burnett. When the girl approached Burnett to make the offer, Burnett allegedly grabbed her by the throat and pushed her against the gate of the ride.
Three police officers intervened to separate Burnett from the girl. A man, identified as Michael A. Flemming Jr., also attempted to hold Burnett back from the officers. The officers identified themselves to both Burnett and Flemming before taking them into custody.
The victim was interviewed by detectives following the incident. She reported that her breathing was restricted after Burnett allegedly grabbed her throat, and she was unable to feel her nose. Four other witnesses corroborated the victim’s account and confirmed the officers’ observations.
Burnett was taken to Vanderburgh County Jail and charged with battery of a person under 14 years old and disorderly conduct. She has since been released on bond, with her next court hearing scheduled for Wednesday. Flemming, who allegedly kicked at the officers during the arrest, causing one officer’s knee to bleed, was charged with battery against a public safety official, resisting law enforcement causing bodily injury, and obstruction of justice.
The West Side Nut Club Fall Festival is a long-standing tradition in Evansville, having been held annually for over 100 years. It was first established in 1921 by local business owners as an event to benefit the West Side of Evansville and the city as a whole.