What started as a spat over a French bulldog on a spring day in Nashville has turned into a felony case, after police say a woman was run over by an SUV during the dispute and spent nearly a week in the hospital.
What the arrest affidavit says
According to WSMV, an arrest affidavit identifies Errick Taylor Mayfield as the suspect and says he originally gave the French bulldog to the victim in January. The affidavit states that in late April, he returned to an apartment on White Bridge Pike and demanded the dog back. Investigators say the confrontation escalated when Mayfield allegedly grabbed and dragged the woman as she held on to the leash.
The affidavit further alleges that a vehicle then accelerated toward a second woman, struck her with the rear tire, and ran her over. Both women later identified Mayfield in a photo lineup, according to the report, and the first victim was hospitalized for six days.
Aggravated assault and Tennessee law
Mayfield is facing an aggravated assault charge, a felony that applies when an assault results in serious bodily injury or involves other aggravating circumstances. As outlined by Justia, Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-13-102 treats assaults that cause substantial physical harm as aggravated and subject to felony penalties.
Tennessee’s definition of “serious bodily injury” can include a substantial risk of death, protracted unconsciousness, or protracted disfigurement. Those definitions, reflected in state law, help guide how prosecutors charge violent incidents, per FindLaw.
Why French bulldogs are a flashpoint
French bulldogs and other high-value breeds have increasingly become magnets for conflict. Because they command high resale prices and are relatively easy to sell, disputes over ownership and transfers have been at the center of thefts and, at times, violent confrontations.
The American Kennel Club has cautioned pet owners about rising reports of dog theft and urged steps like microchipping and quick reporting to police, according to the AKC. International coverage has also highlighted organized efforts to steal popular breeds and an uptick in sometimes violent pet thefts, as The Guardian has reported.
Investigation status and next steps
Investigators are using the arrest affidavit and the photo identifications from both women as the basis for the charges, according to WSMV. At the time of publication, public reporting had not located court records or a police booking notice listing a scheduled court date. Prosecutors are expected to determine formal filings and the next steps in the case as the investigation continues.
