PORTSMOUTH, Va. — A Portsmouth athlete is facing charges of assault and battery after a viral video showed her hitting another student with a baton during a track meet.
Sixteen-year-old Kaelen Tucker was running the second leg of the 4×200 relay at the Virginia High School League Championship on March 3 when another runner, Alaila Everett of Portsmouth, hit her with a baton.
Video footage showed the two sprinters running side-by-side as they rounded a corner, with Kaelen on the outside. Just as Kaelen began to pass, Alaila swung her baton, striking Kaelen on the head. Kaelen is then seen immediately dropping her baton and clutching her head in pain. She was later diagnosed with a concussion.
The City of Lynchburg Commonwealth’s Attorney confirmed that a petition was issued for assault and battery. The petition was issued by law enforcement or the complainant, the commonwealth’s attorney said.
Alaila’s father, Genoa Everett, claimed the incident was accidental. He told 13News Now that Kaelen came too close to his daughter and attempted to cut her off too soon while coming around the curve, which caused Alaila to lose her balance.
“Sometimes things are not always what they seem,” Everett explained.
He explained that his daughter was trying to maintain her balance while ensuring her baton was not knocked out of her hands.
Alaila, a student at I.C. Norcom High School, said her school has been supportive throughout the ordeal. Her father expressed frustration over the backlash his daughter has received, particularly on social media.
The Portsmouth NAACP released a statement about the incident on Wednesday, noting that they are reviewing what happened and expressed their concern for Alaila and her family during the “difficult time.” The NAACP said racial slurs and death threats have been used against her.
13News Now legal analyst Ed Booth said the charges against Alaila could potentially lead to jail time if she is found guilty.
“It’s a class 1 misdemeanor,” Booth explained, “so it can carry jail time. But that’s garden variety assault when someone hits another person. Either the police or the person who is a victim can take out those charges.”
Kaelen’s parents said that I.C. Norcom’s athletic director and Alaila’s father called to apologize, but the athlete herself and the coach have not contacted them.
Portsmouth Public Schools officials released a statement saying, “The division immediately reported the incident to the Virginia High School League (VHSL), which is still investigating. We are cooperating with the VHSL in its work. The division will support and follow the ruling… upon its completed investigation.”
The Virginia High School League addressed the situation, stating, “The actions taken by the meet director to disqualify the runner were appropriate and correct. We thoroughly review every instance like this that involves player safety with the participating schools. The VHSL membership has always made it a priority to provide student-athletes with a safe environment for competition.”
Both families declined to comment further on the charges, however Alaila’s father told 13News Now in a statement he “feels a strong need to advocate” for his daughter, and to plans to “prove her innocence in court.”