"Devil in the Ozarks: Fugitive Former Police Chief Threatens Safety as Experts Urge Outdoorsmen to Stay Clear"
Survivalist warns hikers to steer clear of Arkansas Ozarks as authorities search for dangerous escapee and convicted murderer Grant Hardin.
A prominent wilderness survivalist is sounding the alarm for outdoor enthusiasts and travelers in the Arkansas Ozarks as the search intensifies for escaped prison inmate Grant Hardin. The warning comes after Hardin, the former police chief notorious as the “Devil in the Ozarks,” broke out of a medium-security facility in Calico Rock on May 25, leading to a multi-agency manhunt across the rugged and densely wooded region.
“My biggest concern is that if you're a hiker, camper, or hunter out there, you're not going to see it coming,” emphasized survival expert Shawn Hendrix. He described Hardin as a dangerous fugitive, highlighting the risks outdoor recreationists may face in remote areas. According to Hendrix, Hardin’s prior disregard for human life and his extensive law enforcement background make him an especially formidable threat. “Every person in the woods right now is an opportunity for equipment for this guy,” Hendrix stated, underscoring the risk of unexpected encounters with someone desperate and potentially armed.
The Arkansas Department of Corrections confirmed that Hardin, who was serving lengthy sentences for murder and rape, orchestrated his escape by exiting through a sally port while disguised in a makeshift prison uniform. Since then, law enforcement agencies have issued repeated warnings to the public and conducted extensive searches, particularly in the Ozarks, an area that offers abundant concealment in its hundreds of caves and dense forests.
Authorities have described Hardin as a 6-foot-tall White male weighing approximately 259 pounds. While Hendrix noted that Hardin’s physical size means he could sustain himself for weeks off bodily reserves, the Ozarks themselves offer supplemental survival resources—such as berries, edible plants, and fish. “There’s just a lot of native fruits like persimmon, maybe even plums in that area,” Hendrix explained. “He’s got a couple of months of reserves.” Nonetheless, Hendrix pointed out that injury, exposure, or illness could quickly undermine Hardin’s efforts to survive in the wild.
Law enforcement officials have urged anyone in the region to exercise extreme caution. They warn that Hardin—who has a history of violence and is law-enforcement trained—should not be approached under any circumstances. Instead, residents and visitors are advised to report any suspicious activity immediately. Search teams are reportedly on the lookout for subtle signs of human presence in the woods, such as concealed fire pits, makeshift campsites, or hidden shelters.
Complicating the hunt, there have been unconfirmed sightings of Hardin outside of Arkansas, including one reported in Missouri a day after the escape. A recent federal complaint suggests he may have already left the state, though local authorities believe he could still be hiding in the Ozarks, where he has substantial knowledge of the terrain.
The FBI and U.S. Marshals are offering a combined $25,000 reward for information leading to Hardin’s capture. Officials continue to encourage anyone who believes they have seen Hardin or have pertinent information to contact authorities by phone or through the FBI’s online tip portal.
The ongoing manhunt underscores the potential dangers faced by outdoor enthusiasts during this period. Experts stress that until Hardin is apprehended, avoiding remote parts of the Ozarks remains a critical precaution for anyone considering a visit to the wilderness.
