The FBI has announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Grant Hardin, a former police chief who escaped from an Arkansas prison. Hardin, who had previously been convicted of first-degree murder and rape, escaped from the North Central Unit near Calico Rock on May 25. The Department of Justice is assisting Arkansas authorities in the search for Hardin, highlighting the urgency of the situation due to the nature of his crimes and the potential danger he poses to the public. An arrest warrant was issued shortly after his escape, making it clear that law enforcement agencies are taking this matter seriously.
In detail, Grant Matthew Hardin pleaded guilty to murder in 2017 related to the shooting death of James Appleton, who was found in his car. For this, he received a substantial 30-year prison sentence. Additionally, Hardin was sentenced to a lengthy 50 years for the 1997 rape of an elementary school teacher. His criminal actions earned him the disturbing title of “Devil in the Ozarks,” featured in a 2023 documentary that explored his heinous offenses. The complexity of his case, along with its connection to the local community, amplifies the fears surrounding his escape.
Authorities have reported that Hardin cleverly escaped by disguising himself in clothing that made him appear to be a staff member at the prison, enabling him to elude detection. Following the escape, Hardin has been charged with second-degree escape, which carries a minimum sentence of nine months. The specifics of how he managed to make this escape are under investigation, and law enforcement agencies are focusing their efforts on areas that may serve as potential hiding spots, particularly within the abundant cave systems of the Ozark Mountains.
Community sentiments underscore the challenges faced by local law enforcement in tracking him down. Hardin’s familiarity with the area poses a significant concern, as residents describe him as “very, very smart,” and emphasize that he “knows where the caves are.” This local knowledge offers him an advantage in evading capture, as the Ozarks are known for having numerous hidden spots ideal for concealment. The intricate landscape presents a major obstacle for search teams, complicating their efforts to locate him swiftly.
Rand Champion, a spokesperson for the Arkansas Department of Corrections, noted that the search operations are deeply focused on the area’s unique geography, including abandoned buildings and caves. Law enforcement agencies are collaborating at multiple levels, leveraging local, state, and federal resources to formulate leads. The emphasis remains on swift action as the public is encouraged to report any sightings or relevant information about Hardin’s whereabouts using the FBI’s toll-free tip line or local law enforcement contacts.
As the search for Grant Hardin continues, authorities are urging anyone who might have information related to his movements to step forward. With his background in law enforcement and his unsettling past, the need for community vigilance has never been more critical. The collaboration among law enforcement agencies and the involvement of the public are both crucial in efforts to ensure that Hardin is captured and held accountable for his crimes. The situation remains dynamic, and ongoing updates from authorities are expected as they pursue leads in this alarming case.
