Andrew Hardwick, otherwise known as the man behind the inspiration for one of Taylor Swift's first hit song "Teardrops on my Guitar," was arrested on charges of child abuse, according to The Tennessean. The 27-year-old was taken into custody in Hendersonville, Tenn., for allegedly physically abusing a 3-year-old girl.
Hardwick, known as Drew, was arrested along with his wife, Joni Hardwick, 44, and a man named Christopher Hardwick, 34, after there was "severe bruising and swelling" to the little girls as well as a concussion, according to the New York Daily News. The injuries were so serious that the child was airlifted to a children's hospital for treatment, according to the Daily News.
At the time of the arrest, Andrew Hardwick was said to be upstairs with the alleged victim as well as another 5-year-old girl. The older girl reportedly told a witness and Christopher Hardwick that Andrew Hardwick had hit both children. The police were then called after Drew was found with blood on his hands, according to Vulture.
When authorities arrived to the scene, Christopher Hardwick reportedly "appeared intoxicated with bloodshot and glossy eyes" and exhibited "belligerent" behavior toward police. He then revealed to the officers that he and Andrew Hardwick had been drinking "a large amount of alcohol since 4 p.m."
The older girl did not require medical treatment and was released to family members, police said.
Andrew Hardwick was charged with aggravated child abuse and child abuse. Joni Hardwick faces charges of simple assault on an officer and resisting arrest. Christopher Hardwick was charged with assault and disorderly conduct. All three have since been released from jail and will all appear in court in early 2016.
Swift said she wrote "Teardrops on My Guitar" in high school after Drew, whom she had a crush on, repeatedly ignored her.
