Authorities Search for 'Devil in the Ozarks' Prison Escapee Still at Large in Arkansas
Escaped inmate and convicted murderer Grant Hardin, a former police chief, remains at large in Arkansas as authorities warn of his dangerous flight in Stone County.
It has now been 72 hours since Grant Hardin, a former police chief convicted of murder and rape, escaped from the North Central Unit prison in Calico Rock, Arkansas. The Arkansas Department of Corrections (ADC) reported that Hardin, 56, fled on Sunday afternoon, prompting a large-scale manhunt across Stone County and the surrounding region.
ADC Communications Director Rand Champion told reporters at a Wednesday news conference that authorities believe they have a solid understanding of Hardin’s escape route and the factors that may have contributed to his disappearance. "We have a pretty good idea of the route that he took and some of those circumstances… and what, if any, lapses happened," Champion said. He added that while law enforcement officials are confident Hardin remains near the area, they acknowledge the risk that he could escape further with access to a vehicle. Authorities have established a perimeter in hopes of containing him.
Champion emphasized the seriousness of the situation, warning the public that Hardin is "a very dangerous individual" who may pose further threats while at large. Investigators revealed that it took less than half an hour for prison staff to notice Hardin’s absence. Photos released by the Stone County Sheriff’s Office show Hardin wearing what appeared to be an ADC-style prison uniform as he exited through a sally port. However, officials clarified that the clothing was not an official uniform, suggesting it was either homemade or smuggled into the facility.
Grant Hardin, once known locally as the "Devil in the Ozarks," is serving a 30-year sentence for the 2017 murder of James Appleton, a city water employee found shot inside his work truck. Additional time was added to his sentence after his DNA, taken during the booking process, linked him to a 1997 cold case rape of a teacher at Frank Tillery Elementary in Rogers. Prosecutors say the evidence was conclusive: "It was proven to be Mr. Hardin beyond all scientific certainty," former Benton County prosecuting attorney Nathan Smith stated. The rape victim described being attacked at gunpoint while preparing lesson plans, a case that had remained unsolved for nearly twenty years.
Hardin pleaded guilty to both the murder and rape charges. Authorities have described him as a white male, standing six feet tall and weighing approximately 259 pounds. Law enforcement agencies across the state are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any sightings immediately.
As the search intensifies, officials continue to investigate the circumstances of Hardin’s escape and whether he may have received outside help. His criminal history and the violent nature of his offenses have heightened concerns for public safety. “Grant Hardin, in my view and in my personal experience, is one of the most dangerous people that I ever seen for the reason that he does not at first appear that way," Smith noted. "He is a man capable of a seemingly random, horrific murder as well as a random, horrific rape."
The ADC and local law enforcement are appealing for information and caution residents to avoid approaching Hardin, should he be spotted. The manhunt will continue until Hardin is located and apprehended.
Stepheny Price and Louis Casiano contributed reporting to this story.
