A Tennessee mother is facing multiple criminal charges after police say she used her SUV to try to hit students, parents and school staff following a confrontation outside a Memphis high school.
Dispute Began After Band Meeting
According to investigators, the incident happened April 21 after a parent-teacher meeting for the band program at Melrose High School.
Police identified the suspect as Jasmine Dunmars, 36.
Authorities said another parent, Jada Hayes, stayed after the meeting to discuss allegations that Dunmars’ child had been bullying her child.
Fight Allegedly Escalated in Parking Lot
According to court documents, Dunmars initially left the school parking lot before returning moments later and partially blocking Hayes’ vehicle with her Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Police said a physical fight then broke out involving students connected to both families.
Investigators allege Dunmars later joined the confrontation and punched one of the girls before school staff stepped in to separate everyone.
Police Say SUV Was Used as Weapon
Authorities claim Dunmars then got back into her SUV and intentionally drove into Hayes’ Nissan Pathfinder while a student was trying to exit the vehicle.
Police said the student suffered a minor injury.
The affidavit further alleges Dunmars then reversed and accelerated toward Hayes, her daughters, students, and school employees gathered nearby, though everyone was able to move out of the way.
Investigators also said Dunmars struck Hayes’ vehicle a second time before leaving the scene.
Multiple Charges Filed
According to court records, Dunmars now faces charges including:
- Assault
- Four counts of aggravated assault with a vehicle
- Reckless endangerment
- Vandalism
Police said damage to Hayes’ vehicle was estimated at nearly $8,000.
The Memphis Police Department continues investigating the incident.
