BEDFORD — A Bedford man was arrested on a warrant after Lawrence County Sheriff’s deputies investigated a reported domestic battery and vehicle theft that occurred on Bartlettsville Road on Monday.
Charles Hardin, 39, of Bedford, faces several felony charges after allegedly attacking a woman in front of her child and stealing her vehicle while a protective order was already in place. He was detained on that warrant on April 9th.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Officer Christian James, deputies were dispatched to a residence at 438 Bartlettsville Road on April 6, after receiving a report of a stolen vehicle.
Upon arrival, officers spoke with the victim, who stated that Hardin had entered the home and began shouting. According to the victim’s statement, Hardin allegedly pushed her while she was sitting in a recliner with her young daughter. The altercation moved to the garage, where Hardin reportedly held the victim down and struck her several times on both sides of her head with closed fists.
Following the physical assault, Hardin allegedly went to the driveway and smashed the rear windshield of the victim’s silver Chevy Sonic. Hardin then reportedly entered the damaged vehicle and fled the scene, traveling north on Bartlettsville Road.
The victim informed officers that her young daughter was present during the initial assault and ran to hide while the violence unfolded. Another child was at school during the incident. The Department of Child Services was notified.
Police confirmed that an active protective order was served to Hardin on March 10, 2026, meaning he was legally barred from having contact with the victim at the time of the attack. Additionally, it was noted that the front door of the home had been screwed shut, forcing the family to use the garage as their only entry and exit point.
Based on the investigation and evidence at the scene, the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department requested a warrant. That warrant was granted. Hardin was detained on April 9th on charges of domestic battery in the presence of a child, domestic battery with a prior conviction, theft of a vehicle, and invasion of privacy for violating the protection order.
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This article is based on the information provided in the probable cause affidavit and does not represent a final determination of guilt or innocence.
