A Tennessee woman has been arrested after allegedly using bug foggers to force a family, including a 4-year-old child, out of her apartment.
The incident, which occurred in Nashville, led to charges of felony child abuse and misdemeanor offenses against Ervyana Davis, 23, who is currently held in the Davidson County Jail with a $37,000 bond.
What Happened?
According to an arrest warrant obtained by WZTV, Davis had been attempting to evict a family from her apartment but was unsuccessful. After trying to involve police, who advised her to follow the formal civil eviction process, Davis instead decided to take matters into her own hands.
She allegedly purchased several bug foggers from a store and released between five and sixteen foggers inside the apartment while the family was still inside. The foggers, typically used to kill pests, released harmful chemicals into the air.
Health Impact on the Family
The situation quickly became dangerous when the 4-year-old child began coughing and struggling to breathe due to the toxic mist. The child was rushed to the hospital for treatment, but fortunately, no other injuries were reported.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns that no one should remain inside a space after bug foggers have been released, as the chemicals can be harmful to breathe.
According to the EPA, people should stay out of a treated area for two to four hours after foggers are used, and one fogger is typically sufficient for a room of 25 by 25 feet.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Davis was arrested on Thursday and faces two counts of felony child abuse and misdemeanor charges. She is currently awaiting her next court appearance, which is scheduled for Monday. As of now, she does not have a lawyer listed in court documents.
This case has raised concerns about the safety of using chemical products like bug foggers in enclosed spaces and the potential for harm when individuals bypass formal eviction processes.
