NASHVILLE, TN – A Nashville woman was arrested after investigators say she turned to hazardous chemicals in a bid to forcibly remove a family from her apartment, resulting in a child being hospitalized.
Authorities allege that Ervyana Davis, 23, faced frustration after attempts to legally evict a family were unsuccessful. After contacting police for assistance, Davis was directed to pursue the civil eviction process, court records show.
Instead of following those instructions, Davis allegedly purchased multiple bug foggers and released them inside the apartment where the family, including a 4-year-old child, was still present. Police say the incident occurred Wednesday, when Davis set off between five and 16 foggers while the tenants remained indoors.
Following exposure to the chemicals, the child began coughing and experienced difficulty breathing, according to the arrest warrant. Emergency personnel transported the child to a nearby hospital for treatment. No additional injuries were reported.
Experts from the Environmental Protection Agency warn that people and pets must vacate premises immediately after such products are used, recommending a wait time of two to four hours before returning. The EPA also notes that just one fogger is generally sufficient for an average-sized room.
The use of multiple foggers in an occupied apartment not only violated EPA guidelines but, according to police, caused direct harm to the child, resulting in two counts of felony child abuse and two counts of misdemeanor charges against Davis.
Davis was taken into custody by local authorities on Thursday and remains held at Davidson County Jail on $37,000 bond. She was not listed as having an attorney as of Sunday morning.
Her next court appearance is scheduled for Monday. The case continues to draw public attention as investigators look into the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident.
Evictions in Tennessee, as in most states, must follow regulated legal processes. Failing to do so can lead to criminal charges, particularly if an action endangers others.
Officials have reiterated the dangers posed by improper chemical use and urged residents to adhere to safe practices and proper legal channels in disputes.