Authorities remain on high alert as the search continues for Grant Hardin, a former Arkansas police chief known as the "Devil in the Ozarks," who escaped from the North Central Unit prison in Calico Rock, Arkansas, on Sunday (May 25). Hardin, serving sentences for murder and rape, managed to flee by disguising himself in a makeshift law enforcement outfit, according to the Arkansas Department of Corrections.
The escape has triggered a massive manhunt involving local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, which is offering a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading to Hardin's capture. The search is focused on the rugged terrain of northern Arkansas, known for its dense forests and numerous caves, which provide potential hideouts for the fugitive.
Rand Champion, a spokesperson for the Arkansas Department of Corrections, stated that authorities are using canines, drones, and helicopters to comb the area. The challenging topography and recent heavy rains have complicated the search efforts. "You take that rain and combine it with the terrain, and it makes for a tough situation," Champion said, as reported by 5News.
Hardin's escape has alarmed the family of his victim, James Appleton, who was killed in 2017. Cheryl Tillman, Appleton's sister, expressed her concerns, stating, "We were there at his trial when all that went down, and he seen us there, he knows," she told the Associated Press.
Authorities have expanded the search area, with recent efforts focusing on Faulkner County after a tip was received, though the credibility of the lead remains under investigation.
Hardin's background in law enforcement and survival skills, combined with the challenging geography, make the search particularly difficult. The area is described as "one of the most cave-dense regions of the state," with nearly 2,000 documented caves.
The manhunt continues as authorities urge residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. The search for Hardin is ongoing, with law enforcement determined to capture the fugitive.