Woman accused of strangling child at fall festival who was trying to keep the peace

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WFIE/Gray News) – Police in Indiana say a 33-year-old woman was arrested after allegedly strangling a 12-year-old girl Friday night who was trying to keep the peace at a Fall Festival.

According to an affidavit, two detectives with the Evansville Police Department were working at the festival in plain clothes when they saw two women arguing.

Authorities say the 12-year-old girl told police she was standing in line for an amusement ride when she heard the women behind her bickering about line-cutting.

The girl said she tried to deescalate the situation by offering her spot to 33-year-old Kristin Victoria Burnett, but the girl doesn’t think she heard her.

According to officers, Burnett grabbed the 12-year-old by the throat, slammed her against a metal fence and kept her pinned there until detectives could pull her off the child.

Police said a man, identified as Michael A. Flemming, approached and tried to pull Burnett away from the officers.

Flemming held onto Burnett and refused commands even after detectives identified themselves, according to officials.

After being detained, police say Flemming tried to “mule kick” and pulled away from the officers, causing one of them to scrape their knee and bleed.

Burnett was arrested and booked into the Vanderburgh County Jail on charges of battery on a person under 14 years old, strangulation and disorderly conduct.

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

Officers noted redness on the 12-year-old’s neck and small lacerations on her face. Police say she also complained of pain and said she couldn’t feel her nose.

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