Tuscaloosa, AL – A veteran police captain with the Tuscaloosa Police Department has been placed on administrative leave after being charged with domestic violence strangulation. Authorities say Kermit Thomas “Kip” Hart III, 57, allegedly attacked his girlfriend after she went through his phone and confronted him about texting another woman.
The Incident: Argument Over Text Messages Turns Violent
According to court documents, police responded to a domestic disturbance call at a woman’s home just after midnight on Sunday. The victim, wearing only a shirt and underwear, reportedly fled to a neighbor’s house after being attacked.
The woman told officers she and Hart had been in a relationship since 2019 and that she suspected him of cheating. While Hart was asleep, she went through his phone and found messages between him and another woman. When Hart woke up, the situation turned violent.
The victim told police that Hart “put his hands around her neck,” threw her to the floor, and later tried to choke her by putting her in a headlock.
When she attempted to scream, Hart allegedly covered her mouth and told her to “Shut the f— up.”
Officers observed red marks on the woman’s neck and dried blood under her right nostril, which they said may have been caused by Hart covering her mouth and nose.
Investigation and Evidence Collected
Police arrived on scene shortly after the victim’s report and began searching for Hart. He was located around 3 a.m. and taken into custody without incident.
During questioning, Hart told officers he had been asleep when the woman began hitting him on the head and accusing him of infidelity. He denied strangling her but admitted to “wrapping her up” and covering her mouth with his hands “to calm her down.”
Officers documented visible redness and swelling on the left side of Hart’s neck and face, indicating a struggle had taken place.
Investigators determined there was sufficient probable cause to arrest him on domestic violence strangulation charges — a felony offense under Alabama law.
Court Proceedings and Charges
Hart was booked into the Tuscaloosa County Jail, where he was held for 24 hours under the state’s domestic violence hold policy. He later posted $5,000 bond and was released early Monday morning.
The Tuscaloosa Police Department confirmed that Hart has been placed on administrative leave pending investigation. The department stated that internal affairs will conduct its own review once the criminal process concludes.
“We take allegations of domestic violence extremely seriously,” a department spokesperson said. “This matter will be handled according to both legal standards and departmental policy.”
Background and Public Reaction
Hart currently serves as a captain in the Criminal Investigations Division — the very unit responsible for investigating major crimes such as assaults and homicides. His arrest has caused public concern given his senior role within the department.
The alleged victim told officers that Hart had been unfaithful before, but they had “moved past it” until about three weeks ago when she reportedly caught him deleting messages and using a Google texting app to communicate with another woman.
Domestic violence advocates have emphasized that strangulation is one of the most dangerous forms of assault, often viewed as a red flag for potential escalation to lethal violence. Studies have shown that victims who experience strangulation are seven times more likely to be killed by the same partner in the future.
Ongoing Developments and Next Steps
Hart’s case remains under investigation by the Tuscaloosa Police Department and the District Attorney’s Office. He has not yet entered a plea, and his court date will be scheduled in the coming weeks.
The department has stated that Hart’s employment status will depend on the outcome of the criminal proceedings. For now, he remains on paid administrative leave, standard procedure for officers under investigation.
If convicted, Hart could face up to 10 years in prison and permanent revocation of his law enforcement certification.
Conclusion
The incident involving Captain Kip Hart underscores the ongoing problem of domestic violence within law enforcement families and the importance of accountability, regardless of rank or position. As the investigation moves forward, both the department and the public await the court’s findings and disciplinary action.
What are your thoughts on this case and the issue of domestic violence among law enforcement officers? Share your opinions in the comments below.
