Ex-Police Chief Sentenced for Rape and Murder Makes Daring Prison Escape in Guard Disguise

As law enforcement searches the rugged Ozark Mountains for Grant Hardin, a former police chief turned convicted killer, the tension rises in the community. Hardin, known as the "Devil in the Ozarks," escaped from the North Central Unit prison this past Sunday by disguising himself as a corrections officer. A guard unwittingly opened the gate, allowing him to walk out.

Grant Hardin was serving long sentences for murder and rape. His escape method raised serious concerns, especially about how he obtained a guard’s uniform. Rand Champion, a spokesperson for the Arkansas Department of Corrections, mentioned that nothing inside the prison resembled the outfit Hardin wore. The authorities are working hard to understand how he managed this.

Champion noted the decision to house Hardin in a medium-security facility was based on assessments of inmates’ needs and their crimes. This escape comes just days after ten men escaped from a New Orleans jail through a hole in a toilet; eight have since been recaptured.

The community is rattled. Cheryl Tillman, whose brother was a victim of Hardin, expressed fear and anger. "He knows we were there at his trial," she said. Local law enforcement is utilizing canines, drones, and helicopters in the search, but the terrain poses challenges. Hardin’s escape, a relatively urban jailbreak, raises questions about security in the area.

The search area has expanded, but details remain sparse. The topography of the Ozarks, filled with rocks and dense foliage, complicates efforts. Craig Caine, a retired U.S. Marshals inspector, pointed out that Hardin’s rural location could backfire. “He’ll eventually run out of supplies,” Caine explained. In tight-knit communities, locals often know each other well, making it easier for someone to spot him.

In Gateway, the town where Hardin was once police chief, residents are tense. Sheriff Charley Melton reminded them to secure their homes and be vigilant. Bryan Sexton, who prosecuted Hardin, has reached out to survivors and those affected by the crimes. “It weighs heavily on me to remind them of the past,” he said.

Local business owner Darla Nix remembered Hardin as quiet and intelligent before his convictions. Despite the ongoing search, she fears for the community’s safety. “He knows how to survive. They have their work cut out for them,” she said, referring to law enforcement.

The emotional toll on victims’ families is profound. Tillman remarked, “He’s just an evil man. He doesn’t belong in society.” Hardin’s past includes a 2017 guilty plea for first-degree murder and a 50-year sentence for a 1997 rape case.

According to recent statistics from the Bureau of Justice Statistics, prison escapes have been on a slight decline over the past decade, but each case still raises fresh concerns about security and safety. As the search continues, the community hopes for a swift resolution while grappling with their unwanted reminder of past traumas.

For further details on recent criminal justice statistics, you can explore the Bureau of Justice Statistics.

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