Devil in the Ozarks: Notorious Fugitive Captured After Weeks-Long Multi-Agency Manhunt
Convicted killer Grant Hardin, aka "Devil in the Ozarks," is recaptured just 1.5 miles from prison after escaping in May, concluding a weeks-long manhunt.
Grant Hardin, a convicted murderer and rapist who sparked a massive manhunt after escaping from an Arkansas prison last month, has been apprehended. Known as the "Devil in the Ozarks", Hardin was captured this afternoon approximately 1.5 miles from the North Central Unit prison facility—the location from which he made his escape on May 25.
Authorities confirmed Hardin’s identity through fingerprint analysis before publicly announcing the long-awaited capture. Officials described his arrest as uneventful, stating that he was taken into custody without incident, bringing an end to weeks of intensive searching by local police, state troopers, federal agencies, and specialized tactical teams.
The manhunt, which had gripped communities across the Ozarks, focused heavily on the rugged, wooded terrain near the prison. Law enforcement cautioned residents and outdoors enthusiasts to avoid the area during the search, citing concerns about Hardin’s history of violence and his apparent resourcefulness in evading authorities. The extensive operation involved aerial surveillance, K-9 units, and door-to-door canvassing among nearby homes and businesses.
Hardin, 56, was serving an 80-year sentence for the 2017 murder of James Appleton and a previously unsolved rape case dating back to 1997. Investigators believe he orchestrated his escape by moving through a restricted sally port wearing a makeshift uniform resembling those issued by the Arkansas Department of Corrections. Officials emphasized that the uniform was a crude imitation and not standard prison attire.
Following Hardin’s disappearance, law enforcement launched a coordinated response, urging the public to remain vigilant and report any sightings. The Izard County Sheriff’s Office expressed gratitude for the cooperation shown by local residents and law enforcement partners, noting in a statement: “We sincerely appreciate the continued support of the community for all law enforcement personnel involved in this operation.”
While Hardin is now back in custody, officials indicated that the investigation into both his escape and any potential outside assistance remains ongoing. Security protocols at the North Central Unit prison are under review as investigators work to determine exactly how Hardin managed to evade containment for nearly a month.
