Photo: Arkansas Department of Corrections
The search for Grant Hardin, a former police chief who escaped from the North Central Unit in Calico Rock, Arkansas, is now in its third day. Hardin, serving time for murder and rape, escaped on Sunday (May 25) by impersonating a corrections officer. Authorities are using drones, helicopters, and canines to search the rugged Ozark Mountains, where Hardin is believed to be hiding.
Hardin, known as the "Devil in the Ozarks," was serving an 80-year sentence for the 2017 murder of James Appleton and the 1997 rape of a school teacher. He was the police chief of Gateway, Arkansas, in 2016. According to the Arkansas Department of Corrections, Hardin used a makeshift outfit to escape, which was not a standard inmate or correctional uniform.
The escape has alarmed the families of Hardin's victims, including Cheryl Tillman, whose brother was killed by Hardin. In an interview with 5News, she expressed concern over the escape, saying, "He is no good for society." Hardin's escape has prompted local authorities to urge residents to lock their homes and vehicles and report any suspicious activity.
The search area is challenging due to the rocky terrain and recent heavy rain. Despite these obstacles, authorities remain hopeful that Hardin will be captured soon. Local law enforcement is on high alert, with Benton County officials assisting in the search due to Hardin's ties to the area.