Alaila Everett (Photos via Twitter)

During the Virginia State High School League Championships on March 3, Alaila Everett, a senior at I.C. Norcom High School in Portsmouth, would make a decision that would change the course of her life.

Everett was running the second leg of the 4×200-meter relay when her baton struck Kaelen Tucker, a junior from Brookville High School, in the head.

It was a moment that made the crowd gasp as Tucker reached for her head before falling off the track. Medical personnel attended to her shortly after the incident. She would later be diagnosed with a concussion.

Bethany Harrison, the commonwealth’s attorney for the city of Lynchburg, confirmed that a misdemeanor charge of assault and battery was issued against Everett in the matter.

The Tuckers have also served the Everett family with an order of protection.

ABC13 reported that the two young ladies were supposed to talk over Zoom to resolve their differences, but nothing has been scheduled yet.

Alaila Everett said her family had received death threats since the incident and maintained that the collision was unintentional.

She claimed that her arm had become stuck in the race and that her baton had inadvertently struck Kaelen as they neared the corner.

Alaila Everett Defends Her Actions

Alaila Everett (Photo via Twitter)

The high school runner at the center of a controversy that has made national headlines has been charged with assault and battery.

Brookville High School junior Kaelen Tucker is still recovering after she was hit by the baton of fellow competitor Alaila Everett, a senior at I.C. Norcom High School, during the 4×200-meter relay event.

Everett says she never meant to injure Brookville High School Junior Kaelen Tucker.

“I would never do that on purpose,” Everett said in a Tuesday interview with “Good Morning America.”

“That’s not in my character.”

According to Good Morning America, Leslie Young, I.C. Norcom High School Athletic Director, has since apologized to the Tuckers on behalf of the Everetts.