Tennessee woman charged after allegedly using SUV in violent school lot altercation

A Tennessee mother is facing multiple charges after police say she tried to run over students, parents, and school staff with an SUV following a confrontation over alleged bullying outside a high school band meeting.

Jasmine Dunmars, 36, has been charged with assault, four counts of aggravated assault with a vehicle, reckless endangerment, and vandalism in connection with an alleged April 21 incident outside Melrose High School in Memphis, according to an affidavit obtained by People.

Authorities say the confrontation began after a parent-teacher band meeting, when another mother, identified in the affidavit as Jada Hayes, remained in the parking lot to speak with Dunmars about allegations that Dunmars’ child had been bullying her daughter.

According to the affidavit, Hayes briefly raised the issue with Dunmars, but Dunmars declined to discuss it.

Police allege Dunmars then left the scene in a Jeep Grand Cherokee before returning moments later as Hayes attempted to leave in her Nissan Pathfinder.

Investigators say Dunmars parked in front of Hayes’ vehicle, partially blocking it, and the situation quickly escalated into a physical altercation involving students.

School staff initially intervened and separated those involved, but the affidavit alleges the confrontation reignited when Dunmars allegedly approached Hayes and began punching her.

After the staff separated the group again, Hayes and her children moved to a grassy area near the school building, according to police.

Authorities allege Dunmars then got back into her SUV, turned toward Hayes’ vehicle, and accelerated, striking the passenger side of the Nissan Pathfinder while a student was trying to exit.

Investigators say the student suffered an abrasion as a result.

The affidavit further alleges Dunmars reversed, then accelerated again while turning toward Hayes, her children, other students, and school staff.

Several people were reportedly able to move out of the way.

Police also allege Dunmars struck Hayes’ vehicle a second time before leaving the scene.

Hayes later obtained an estimate of $7,937.61 for damage to her vehicle, according to the affidavit.

On April 30, Hayes and her daughter participated in recorded interviews with investigators and identified Dunmars in separate photo lineups.

Dunmars was arrested and formally charged on May 5, court records show.

She remains charged with multiple felonies, including aggravated assault with a vehicle and felony vandalism.