Escaped Arkansas Prisoner On The Run From Law Enforcement
It’s not every day that an Arkansas native makes national news, but this week, Grant Hardin escaped from Calico Rock Prison and still remains at large. The FBI, in conjunction with Arkansas law enforcement and the US Marshals Service, has announced that Hardin should be considered armed, dangerous, and an escape risk.
Hardin isn’t just any criminal on the run — he’s a former police chief of Gateway, Arkansas, who was serving time for rape and murder. He disguised himself as a corrections officer and fooled the security guard, who allowed Hardin to exit the prison.
Currently, the police believe Hardin may be hiding in wooded and rural areas of northern Arkansas. There is up to a $20,000 reward for anyone who can provide details that would lead to Hardin’s capture and arrest.
Grant Hardin’s Criminal History
Otherwise known as “The Devil in the Ozarks” from a TV crime documentary, Grant Hardin held various law enforcement positions before his arrest in 2017. Starting off in the Fayetteville police force in the 90s, management quickly realized Hardin was not well-suited for the job. Despite being laid off, Hardin successfully received other job offers, leading to his position as police chief in 2016.
His time serving as police chief was short lived — Hardin only lasted 4 months. In 2017, Grant Hardin was arrested and pleaded guilty to the first degree murder of James Appleton. Later, upon DNA collection, he was positively ID’d in connection to the 1997 rape of an Arkansas elementary school teacher. He was sentenced to 30 years and 50 years respectively for each crime.
The Search For Hardin Continues
Law enforcement is working tirelessly to find Hardin, but mother nature and northern Arkansas terrain are hindering their efforts. After his escape, the Calico Rock area received a significant amount of rain. This caused Hardin’s scent to disappear from the bloodhound who was tracking him.
To make matters worse, there is an extensive cave system in the area where Hardin could be hiding, which includes caves that have not been discovered yet. This isn’t just a handful of caves — there are several hundred to explore.
Police know that Hardin cannot camp out in a cave forever (if that’s where he currently is) and the next few days are crucial for a successful capture. At some point, he will need to leave his hiding spot for food, drinking water, and other types of essential supplies.
Given his background in law enforcement, he may be more skilled and knowledgeable about evading the police. Rand Champion, of the Arkansas Department of Corrections, calls on local residents for help, “What we would ask – in this area, especially – please be cognizant. Please be aware. Be alert of your surroundings. If something seems out of place, if something seems a little off, please let us know.”
Contact Law Enforcement With Any Information Regarding Hardin’s Whereabouts
The FBI and Arkansas Department of Corrections is asking everyone in the northwest Arkansas area to keep their eyes peeled for a 6 ft tall, caucasian male with blue eyes and a bald hairstyle. See the FBI Most Wanted List for a detailed photo.
If you would like to report information on Grant Hardin, please call the FBI’s tip line at 1-800-225-5324. Remember that aiding, abetting, or assisting a criminal in any way, shape, or form will result in legal charges against you as well.
However, if you find yourself facing legal trouble, including criminal offenses, please contact Hickey & Hull for an initial consultation.