Ongoing Search for Former Police Chief Grant Hardin
The pursuit continues for Grant Hardin, the former police chief turned convicted murderer known as the "Devil in the Ozarks." Hardin escaped from the medium-security Calico Rock prison on Sunday, having disguised himself in an outfit resembling a law enforcement uniform. This alarming incident has captured the attention of local residents, including Denise and Marcel Grady, who reside in Izard County, Arkansas, where the prison is located. They shared their insights on the unfolding situation during an interview with LiveNOW.
The FBI has released a $20,000 reward for information that could lead to Hardin’s apprehension.
A Troubling Backstory
Once the police chief in the small community of Gateway, situated near the Arkansas-Missouri border, Hardin's criminal history is deeply concerning. He was sentenced to extensive prison terms for heinous crimes, including first-degree murder and multiple counts of rape. His story is well-known, having been featured in a TV documentary titled "Devil in the Ozarks." Hardin's escape from the Calico Rock prison is particularly troubling, as it raised questions about security oversight. Notably, a prison officer inadvertently opened a secure gate, enabling Hardin’s passage out of the facility without proper identification checks. This operational lapse, which allowed him to remain undetected for approximately 30 minutes, is currently under investigation.
Checking Hardin's Past
Grant Hardin’s law enforcement career was marred by controversy and missteps. His tenure began at the Fayetteville Police Department in 1990 but ended a year later due to failing to meet training standards. He continued to hold positions within various police departments, including Huntsville and Eureka Springs, yet his career ended prematurely due to the use of excessive force and other misconduct.
Hardin's criminal activities came to a head in 2017 when he admitted to murdering James Appleton, who was shot dead near Garfield. The murder held a personal connection; Appleton was the brother of Gateway’s mayor, Cheryl Tillman. Following this conviction, he was sentenced to 30 years in prison. However, while incarcerated, police linked his DNA to a 1997 rape case, resulting in additional 50-year sentences for that crime.
A Game of Cat and Mouse
Recent developments confirm authorities are treating Hardin's potential escape route with caution. Investigators suspect he may have left Arkansas altogether, employing two reported but unconfirmed sightings—one in central Arkansas and the other in southern Missouri—as evidence for their theory. The complaint filed in federal court notes his familiarity with the rugged Ozark terrain, which could serve as potential hiding places.
Efforts to track Hardin have encountered obstacles, including unseasonably heavy rains hampering the use of search dogs. Additionally, the Arkansas Department of Corrections has released an updated image of Hardin, projecting how he may look after weeks on the run, now appearing slimmer and with facial hair due to an anticipated scarcity of food.
Call for Public Assistance
In light of the ongoing manhunt, the Arkansas Department of Corrections has increased the reward for information leading to Hardin's capture to $25,000. This amount includes contributions from both the FBI and U.S. Marshals. Authorities are urging anyone with information on Hardin's whereabouts to reach out via the FBI’s toll-free tip line or online submission.
As this investigation unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of the communities affected and capturing a fugitive whose checkered past continues to haunt both law enforcement and the public alike.
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