A high school sprinter was criminally charged on Thursday for striking a competitor with a metal baton during a state track meet in Virginia last week.

WTKR reported that I.C. Norcom High School student Alaila Everett was charged with assault and battery for giving Kaelen Tucker a concussion. On March 4, Everett was filmed hitting Tucker in the head with a metal baton during the second part of a 4×200 relay at the  Virginia High School League Championship at Liberty University.

WTKR reported that Tucker possibly suffered a fractured skull.

Everett told “Good Morning America” that the incident was an accident. However, Tucker said Everett cut her off as they tried to merge into the first lane. Tucker told WSLS that she initially backed off, but Everett bumped into her arm as they turned the curve.

“Then finally we got off the curve, I like slowly started passing her and then that’s when she just hit me with the baton and I fell off the track,” Tucker said.

The Virginia High School League said it is reviewing the incident. Officials have not provided additional details regarding the charges against Everett.

[Feature Photo: WAVY video screengrab]