Manhunt Intensifies for Escaped Arkansas Police Chief Known as ‘Devil in the Ozarks’

Manhunt Intensifies for Escaped Arkansas Police Chief Known as ‘Devil in the Ozarks’

The Arkansas Department of Corrections on Tuesday released a new photograph of Grant Hardin, a former police chief turned inmate who escaped from custody on May 25. A large-scale manhunt is currently underway in the Ozarks region as law enforcement officials seek to apprehend him.

Hardin, age 56, previously served as the chief of the Gateway Police Department. He was incarcerated at the North Central Unit, a medium-security prison located in Calico Rock, where he was serving a lengthy sentence for murder and rape. Having earned the ominous nickname ‘Devil in the Ozarks,’ his escape has sent shockwaves through the local community.

Search Efforts Ongoing

According to the Arkansas Department of Corrections, the search for Hardin continues to escalate. In a statement released on Tuesday, officials noted that teams remain focused on the north central Arkansas region while diligently following up on incoming tips. The photo shared by the ADC depicts Hardin with facial hair, aiming to provide an updated look at how he might appear today. With more than a week gone since his escape, authorities are hopeful this new image will aid the search.

Reward for Capture

The FBI and U.S. Marshals are offering a combined reward of $25,000 for information leading to Hardin’s capture. They urge anyone with knowledge of his whereabouts to reach out by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI or submitting tips through an online platform.

Details of the Escape

Hardin’s escape was discovered in less than 30 minutes after he disappeared from the prison. Photographs released by the Stone County Sheriff’s Office show Hardin dressed in an ADC-style uniform as he fled through a sally port. However, ADC communications director Rand Champion clarified that this uniform was not an official one.

Ties to Local Communities

Authorities have identified several areas where Hardin has connections. These include Garfield, Eureka Springs, Holiday Island, and Huntsville. At a news conference last week, Champion expressed confidence in the route Hardin may have taken during his escape and indicated that he might still be in the local area.

Champion further warned the public, stating that Hardin is a highly dangerous individual. He raised concerns that Hardin might commit additional crimes while on the run, prompting law enforcement to take the situation very seriously.

Criminal Background

Hardin’s past is as concerning as his current fugitive status. He received a 30-year sentence for murder, along with additional time for rape. In 2017, he pleaded guilty to the murder of James Appleton, a city water employee found shot inside his work truck. During his booking into state prison, Hardin’s DNA was entered into a database, linking him to a rape cold case involving a teacher from 1997. He ultimately pleaded guilty in that case in 2019.

Recent Developments in Prisons

This incident unfolds just days after another wave of prison escapes occurred in New Orleans, where ten inmates fled from a correctional facility. Local officials reported that eight of those escapees have been recaptured, while two remain at large.

Physical Description of Hardin

Hardin is described as a White male, standing at 6 feet tall and weighing approximately 259 pounds. His physical appearance and criminal history underline the urgency of his capture.

A Call for Community Vigilance

Authorities urge the community to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities or sightings that may relate to Hardin. The ongoing search represents a crucial effort to ensure public safety and bring this fugitive back into custody.

As the investigation continues, both local and federal agencies are working together to bring Hardin back to prison, emphasizing the importance of community support in these types of situations.

This report includes contributions from Fox News’ Stepheny Price and Louis Casiano.