On Sunday, former Arkansas police chief Grant Hardin, who was serving a lengthy sentence for murder and rape, escaped from the North Central Unit in Calico Rock. Dubbed the “Devil in the Ozarks,” Hardin has a unique edge over typical escapees, given his background in law enforcement. Eric Brown, a 24-year veteran of the U.S. Army Special Forces, noted that his knowledge of police procedures and search operations could provide Hardin with a strategic advantage in evading capture.
Experts suggest that law enforcement agencies are deploying sophisticated technologies such as drones, infrared cameras, and geo-fencing to locate Hardin. Brown emphasized the importance of pattern disruption, with authorities analyzing possibilities such as unusual local activities, including vehicle thefts or property break-ins. In addition, after it was discovered that Hardin had gone missing, it took prison officials less than half an hour to initiate a response. Photos shared by the Stone County Sheriff’s Office depict Hardin in a uniform similar to those used by the Arkansas Department of Corrections, although it was not official.
Angelo Brown, an assistant professor of criminology at Arkansas State University, highlighted the likelihood that Hardin may have maintained relationships within law enforcement, potentially enabling him to evade capture longer than expected. His experience might prevent him from making common mistakes that typically accompany a fugitive’s attempts to hide, such as contacting family, using cell phones, or utilizing credit cards.
Despite these advantages, experts also acknowledge that evading capture is increasingly difficult, particularly with the involvement of federal agencies in the search. Law enforcement officials are actively working to ensure public safety, but they cannot completely eliminate risks while Hardin remains on the run. Stone County authorities believe they have a strong understanding of Hardin’s likely escape route and are monitoring the area closely.
Champion, a spokesperson for the Arkansas Department of Corrections, indicated that they believe Hardin has not traveled far from the escape site. While authorities are confident about his proximity to the area, they recognize the threat he poses as a convicted murderer and rapist. This caution is further emphasized by his past crimes, which include the 2017 murder of James Appleton, a city water employee, and a guilty plea in a 1997 rape cold case.
In the wake of Hardin’s escape, the FBI has offered a reward of $20,000 for information that leads to his recapture. The urgency surrounding the case has been heightened by recent incidents, such as a mass jailbreak in New Orleans. With ongoing investigations and multiple law enforcement agencies involved, authorities are intensely focused on recapturing Hardin before he potentially commits further crimes.
