Disguised Escape: Former Police Chief on Murder and Rape Charges Fled Arkansas Prison!

A former police chief in Arkansas, Grant Hardin, has escaped from prison while serving time for murder and rape. Hardin, 56, fled the North Central Unit in Calico Rock around 3:40 p.m. on Sunday, dressed in a homemade outfit that resembled a law enforcement uniform. Officials confirmed he wasn’t wearing any Department of Corrections gear, and all state-issued items have been accounted for.

Hardin is a convicted murderer, having pleaded guilty to killing James Appleton in 2017. Appleton was shot while talking to his brother-in-law, who was the then-mayor of Gateway. Hardin had a brief tenure as police chief in the same town, and prior to that, he worked as a police officer and corrections officer.

In addition to his murder charge, Hardin received a 50-year sentence for a 1997 cold case rape. DNA evidence linked him to the crime involving Amy Harrison, a teacher at Frank Tillery Elementary School.

The search for Hardin is ongoing, with local and state law enforcement involved. The Stone County Sheriff’s Office has warned the public that he is extremely dangerous and should not be approached. Despite the ongoing investigation, details about how Hardin managed to escape are scarce.

In light of this incident, some experts are highlighting the importance of prison security protocols. Dr. Emily Carter, a criminal justice professor, notes that escapes like this can highlight significant flaws in a facility’s security measures. "When someone can fashion a disguise and slip away, it raises serious questions about oversight," she says.

As of now, law enforcement agencies are utilizing different strategies to track Hardin down. They are actively investigating the circumstances that allowed him to escape. Community members are urged to report any tips to the authorities. Keep an eye on local news for updates on this developing situation.

For updates on corrections and inmate management practices, you can refer to the Arkansas Department of Corrections.

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