Memphis, Tennessee — A confrontation between a Tennessee woman and the father of her children allegedly turned into a dangerous vehicle attack when police say she drove into him while her five children were inside the car, then turned around and attempted to hit him again.
The incident reportedly happened Tuesday afternoon in Memphis, where 28-year-old Jasmine Nicole Lewis is accused of using a black Nissan Sentra to strike the man during an argument. According to police documents, the confrontation began after Lewis reportedly pulled up near the man as he was walking along Mississippi Boulevard.
Witness Says Woman Was Yelling at Man
According to a Memphis Police Department affidavit, a witness saw the man walking south on Mississippi Boulevard before Lewis approached him in her vehicle.
The pair reportedly had a brief conversation, which the witness described as Lewis “yelling at him about an incident that happened prior.”
The confrontation then allegedly escalated.
The witness told police that Lewis drove her vehicle into the victim. Authorities further allege that after hitting him, Lewis turned the vehicle around and attempted to run him over again.
Police said the situation became even more dangerous when Lewis allegedly drove into another vehicle.
Five Children Were Allegedly Inside the Car
The police affidavit states that Lewis had her five juvenile children in the vehicle when she allegedly struck the man.
That allegation resulted in Lewis facing five separate counts related to child abuse, neglect or endangerment.
The presence of the children has added another serious element to the case, as investigators examine the circumstances surrounding the alleged attack and the danger the children may have been exposed to during the incident.
Police have not publicly provided additional details about the children’s ages or whether any of them were physically injured.
Victim Identifies Children’s Mother to Police
Officers with the Memphis Police Department arrived at the scene at approximately 4:35 p.m. The incident occurred near Soulsville Kitchen & Market on East McLemore Avenue, according to the court documents.
The man was still at the scene when officers arrived. Police said he told investigators that he had been hit by a vehicle and identified Lewis, the mother of his children, as the person responsible.
Lewis was also at the scene when officers arrived.
Lewis Admits Hitting Man, Gives Different Account
According to the affidavit, Lewis reportedly admitted to hitting the man with her vehicle. However, she allegedly told officers that the man had hit her in the head with his fist first.
Police arrested Lewis following the investigation and booked her into the Shelby County Jail.
Court records show she faces aggravated assault, domestic assault causing bodily harm, and five counts of child abuse, neglect or endangerment.
Her bond was set at $150,000.
Court Hearing Scheduled
Lewis was scheduled to appear in court Friday for a bond hearing as the case moves forward.
Police have not reported any injuries to the man who was allegedly struck by the vehicle. Authorities also have not disclosed whether any of the five children suffered injuries during the incident.
The allegations against Lewis remain part of an ongoing criminal case, and the charges are not a finding of guilt.
As investigators continue examining the confrontation, the case raises serious questions about the circumstances leading up to the alleged attack and what happened while the children were inside the vehicle.
What do you think about this case? Should parents face additional penalties when children are allegedly placed in danger during a violent confrontation? Share your thoughts in the comments below.