Quick facts: A Memphis mother is facing 7 charges — including 4 felony counts — after allegedly driving her SUV at students, parents, and school staff.
A Tennessee mother is in serious legal trouble after police say she turned her SUV into a weapon outside a Memphis high school — all following a disagreement over her daughter’s alleged bullying behavior.
Jasmine Dunmars, 36, was charged on May 5 in connection with an incident that took place on April 21 outside Melrose High School in Memphis.
It all started at a parent meeting for the school’s band program.
Another parent, Jada Hayes, reportedly stayed behind after the meeting to confront Dunmars about claims that Dunmars’ daughter had been bullying her child. Police say Dunmars was not interested in talking and left the scene.
But she came back — and that’s when things turned dangerous.
According to a police affidavit, Dunmars returned in her Jeep Grand Cherokee, parked in front of Hayes’ Nissan Pathfinder, and a physical fight broke out between the two mothers’ daughters. School staff stepped in and broke it up.
Then Dunmars allegedly punched Hayes directly. Staff intervened again and moved Hayes and her daughters to a grassy area nearby.
That’s when police say Dunmars got back in her SUV and drove it toward the group.
She allegedly struck Hayes’ vehicle while a student was still inside, causing an abrasion injury. Then, police say, she reversed and accelerated again — this time toward Hayes, her daughters, other students, and school staff.
“All were able to move out of the way,” the affidavit states.
The damage to Hayes’ Nissan Pathfinder was estimated at $7,937.61.
On April 30, Hayes and her daughter identified Dunmars in separate photo lineups during recorded interviews with investigators.
Charges against Dunmars
Misdemeanor assault
4 felony counts of aggravated assault with a vehicle
Misdemeanor reckless endangerment
Felony vandalism ($2,500–$10,000)
Memphis Police Department and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office have been contacted for additional comment.
