A Davidson County woman has been arrested and charged with assault and child abuse after allegedly releasing multiple bug foggers inside an apartment that was still occupied by a 4-year-old child. According to an arrest warrant, 23-year-old Ervyana Davis is accused of deploying between five and sixteen bug foggers in her apartment in an attempt to force out another resident and their family.
Authorities say the incident resulted in the child suffering respiratory distress. The child’s father reported that the child began coughing and struggling to breathe after being exposed to the chemicals. The child was immediately transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.
Prior to the incident, Davis had contacted police requesting help in removing the family from her apartment. Officers, however, informed her they could not intervene and advised her to pursue a formal eviction through legal channels.
Detectives now believe that Davis left the property and later returned to deploy the foggers, knowing the family, including the young child, was still inside. The chemical exposure from the insecticide devices led to the child’s hospitalization and launched a criminal investigation, according to local Fox affiliate WZTV.
Bug foggers, also known as total release foggers or “bug bombs,” release pesticide into an enclosed area and are meant to be used only when a space is completely unoccupied. These devices can cause serious health issues if inhaled, especially for young children, the elderly, or those with preexisting respiratory conditions.
Davis is now facing charges that include assault and child abuse, stemming from what law enforcement described as a reckless and dangerous attempt to forcibly remove individuals from the apartment without following proper legal procedures.
Officials have not released the exact number of foggers used or the specific brand, but confirmed the devices were potent enough to cause immediate harm in a confined space. The condition of the child has not been updated, though authorities say the hospital acted swiftly to treat the symptoms. The family is now reported to be staying elsewhere for their safety.
The case highlights the potential dangers of improper chemical use and the importance of following legal protocols in tenancy disputes. Davis remains in custody pending further legal proceedings. Law enforcement continues to investigate the matter and is urging the public to always seek lawful solutions in housing or domestic disputes, especially when children are involved.