Woman dragged her child's father and grandmother roughly 20 feet with her Chevy Malibu before being arrested with the car door still open, police say – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Unsplash)
Memphis – Authorities have charged a 21-year-old woman with multiple felonies after she allegedly used her Chevrolet Malibu to drag two people along a city street for roughly 20 feet. The incident took place late on May 15 near the intersection of Park Avenue and South Greer Street, according to the Memphis Police Department. Both victims, identified as the father of the woman’s child and his mother, sustained injuries that required hospital treatment. The case has drawn attention because of the unusual circumstances and the fact that the entire episode was captured on video.
How the Confrontation Escalated
Witnesses told officers that Jashunte Lewis arrived at the location around midnight and immediately became involved in a verbal argument with the father of her child. The man reportedly walked behind the white 2020 Malibu, prompting Lewis to shift into reverse in what appeared to be an attempt to strike him. When that maneuver missed, the man moved to the front of the driveway, and Lewis then placed the car in drive and accelerated toward him again.
After both attempts failed, Lewis reportedly put the vehicle in park. The argument continued among Lewis, the man, and his mother, who had joined the scene. At one point the man opened the driver’s-side door while his mother stood between him and the vehicle. Lewis then allegedly shifted back into reverse and pressed the accelerator, causing both victims to fall under the open door.
Victims Dragged and Injured
Police reports indicate that Lewis continued reversing, pulling the two people onto Park Avenue and dragging them approximately 20 feet before stopping. The man suffered injuries to his left ankle, left wrist, right forearm, hand, and wrist. His mother sustained injuries to the right side of her face, her shoulder, and her left knee. Both were transported to a nearby hospital by Memphis Fire Department personnel.
The force of the incident also damaged the Malibu, leaving the driver’s-side door unable to latch properly. Investigators later located Lewis still driving the vehicle with the door open, which made her easy to identify and detain later that same day.
Legal Outcome and Next Steps
Lewis faces two counts each of attempted second-degree murder and aggravated assault, plus one count of domestic assault resulting in bodily harm. She was booked into the Shelby County Jail with an initial bond of $250,000 that was later reduced to $15,000. Court records show the reduced bond was posted on Monday, and her next scheduled court appearance is set for June 1.
During a custodial interview, Lewis waived her Miranda rights and spoke with investigators, according to police. The case remains under review by prosecutors as they examine the video evidence and witness statements.
What matters now: The charges reflect the serious nature of using a vehicle as a weapon in a domestic dispute, and the upcoming court date will determine whether the case proceeds to trial or reaches a resolution through plea negotiations.
