Captured: Former Police Chief Turned Convicted Killer Who Escaped Arkansas Prison

A former police chief, Grant Hardin, infamous as the "Devil in the Ozarks," was captured in Arkansas after a two-week escape. His manhunt took place in the rugged Ozark Mountains, just 1.5 miles from the prison he fled. Hardin had been serving significant sentences for murder and rape.

After the escape, law enforcement quickly mobilized, employing bloodhounds, helicopters, and drones to track him down. Despite a brief attempt to flee when officers closed in, Hardin was soon subdued. Authorities confirmed his identity through fingerprinting.

Hardin’s escape was notable for its audacity. He impersonated a corrections officer to gain access to a secure gate at Calico Rock prison. This lapse in security is currently under investigation. Rand Champion, a prison spokesperson, noted that it was surprising Hardin was allowed to leave without proper checks.

In the weeks leading to his capture, a bloodhound had picked up his scent, but rain washed it away, complicating efforts. An elite U.S. Border Patrol team eventually joined the search, providing specialized skills to navigate the challenging terrain.

His capture brought relief to the victims’ families. Cheryl Tillman, the sister of Hardin’s murder victim, expressed gratitude for the swift police response. She noted that her family could now feel safer, no longer looking over their shoulders.

Hardin’s past in law enforcement was checkered. He had been fired from several positions due to performance issues and allegations of excessive force. His history raises questions about how he could have held a police role, even briefly, in a small community like Gateway.

Hardin’s convictions stem from serious crimes. He pleaded guilty to the murder of 59-year-old James Appleton in 2017 and was also linked to a 1997 rape case, for which he received additional sentences.

Amidst this troubling narrative, social media users reacted with a mix of disbelief and relief, with many sharing posts about the extensive search and eventual capture. The investigation into Hardin’s escape and the broader implications for prison security continue to captivate public interest.

To delve deeper into the topic of prison escape strategies and their implications, a recent report from the National Institute of Corrections explores trends and statistics related to inmate escapes. For more details on security lapses in correctional facilities, you can read the comprehensive findings in the NIC report.

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