CALICO ROCK, Ark. — A concerning turn of events has surfaced as Grant Hardin, a 56-year-old inmate and former police chief, escapes from the North Central Unit in Calico Rock. The Arkansas Department of Corrections (ADC) reported that Hardin made his getaway on Sunday, May 25, around 3:40 p.m., using what appeared to be an officer uniform. However, it later came to light that this uniform was merely a makeshift imitation and not official police gear.
Authorities are sounding alarms, declaring Hardin as "extremely dangerous," and advising the public not to approach him under any circumstances. Originally hailing from Garfield, Hardin's policing career has been marred by a series of troubling incidents, leading to his eventual arrest and conviction for serious crimes.
A Troubled Past
Hardin's career in law enforcement began with a relatively brief stint as a police officer for the Eureka Springs Police Department, where he resigned in October 1996 amid allegations of dishonesty involving falsified police reports. His former chief, Earl Hyatt, characterized Hardin as someone unfit for the officer role, citing his violent temperament and readiness to confront situations aggressively.
Following his departure from Eureka Springs, Hardin sustained involvement with various law enforcement agencies, including two separate terms as a constable in Benton County. However, his most significant offenses came in the form of heinous crimes: first-degree murder and rape.
A Timeline of Violence
In 2017, Hardin pleaded guilty to murdering 59-year-old James Appleton, a fellow member of the Gateway City government. The murder was executed in a brazen manner, as Hardin was reported to have shot Appleton through the window of his vehicle. The motive behind this violent act remains a mystery, with the convicted individual never revealing his reasons. He received a 30-year sentence for his actions.
Subsequently, while serving time for the murder, Hardin was also convicted of raping an elementary school teacher in Rogers in 1997. Applying significant investigative effort, authorities matched DNA evidence to Hardin, resulting in a concurrent 50-year sentence for the multiple counts of rape.
Ongoing Search and Community Alert
As of May 26, the search for Hardin continues, with the ADC confirming that he has yet to be apprehended. Authorities acknowledge his numerous ties to the Northwest Arkansas region, particularly Pea Ridge and Benton County, leading local police departments to increase patrols and stay vigilant.
Benton County Prosecuting Attorney Bryan Sexton expressed deep concern regarding the impact of Hardin's escape on the victims of his crimes, highlighting the emotional turmoil faced by those seeking closure after his previous convictions. The community has been urged to remain vigilant, lock their doors, and report any sightings of Hardin to law enforcement immediately.
Officials have shut down roads and utilized resources such as drones and K9s to increase the likelihood of recapturing Hardin swiftly. Both local and state authorities are committed to utilizing their full array of resources in this urgent search.
Conclusion
The ongoing developments surrounding Grant Hardin's escape underscore the complexities of crime and the ramifications that reverberate through affected communities. Local officials are rallying to restore safety and security to residents while continuing the essential work of bringing Hardin back into custody.
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