Montgomery Judge Johnny Hardwick seriously injured in domestic incident, son charged

Montgomery County Circuit Judge Johnny Hardwick was shot and seriously injured in a domestic incident on Saturday afternoon and his son has now been charged, according to the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office.

Law enforcement officers quickly arrived on the scene and took a suspect into custody within the hour, they said.

That suspect is the judge's son, Khalfani Hardwick, 36, who previously was on trial for attempted murder. In that 2014 case, Hardwick ultimately pleaded guilty to second degree assault and did not serve any time in prison.

Around 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Assistant Chief Deputy Wesley Richerson said the investigation remains ongoing, and charges had yet to be filed. By Sunday morning, the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office inmate roster included Hardwick and listed his charges as domestic violence, first degree assault, and illegally possessing a pistol. Bond is also listed at $15,000.

Johnny Hardwick is the presiding judge over the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit. He is an alumnus of Alabama State University and has served as a circuit judge since 2001. A Montgomery native, Hardwick also serves as president of the Alabama Association of Circuit Court Judges.

Many members of the Montgomery community have taken to social media to share their prayers and well wishes for Hardwick.

On Saturday evening, Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed issued a statement about the situation.

“Tamika and I are saddened by the news that Judge Johnny Hardwick has been shot. He has honorably served our community on the Circuit Court for decades, helping spearhead numerous reforms to make the court system more equitable and fair," Reed said. "Most recently, he worked to eliminate bond requirements for more non-violent offenses. Away from the bench he was a champion for the area’s youth, one of the founders of 100 Black Men of Greater Montgomery. We are praying for his recovery.”

Montgomery County Commission Chairman Doug Singleton also issued a statement Saturday evening.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Judge Johnny Hardwick during this difficult time," Singleton said. "The entire Montgomery County Commission wishes him a full recovery.

"We’d also like to thank the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office on their quick response.”

Hadley Hitson covers children's health, education and welfare for the Montgomery Advertiser. She can be reached at hhitson@gannett.com. To support her work, subscribe to the Advertiser.

This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Montgomery Circuit Judge Johnny Hardwick hospitalized after shooting